I was recently asked to share my thoughts on introducing peanuts to little humans by Grub Kids Australia and Byron Bay Peanut Butter. So let’s take a closer look.
A growing body of evidence supports exposing your little one to potential allergens before 11 months of age to prevent food allergies. When it comes to peanuts, the research indicates that they can be introduced as early as 6 months, but after other solid foods are tolerated. As there are many other solids foods that should be introduced first, including pasture raised egg yolk, grass fed meats, cooked vegetables and soft fruits, you will mostly like be introducing peanuts between 8-10 months of age. An exception here is high risk infants who have diagnosed eczema or egg allergy, or a strong family history of food allergies, introduction is recommended as early as possible and under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
Here are some of the easy ways you can introduce peanut butter to your little one, my tops tips for introducing allergens, and Grace’s favourite smoothie recipe!
Easy Ways to Introduce Peanut Butter
- In a smoothie – keep reading for Grace’s favourite
- In a chia pudding
- In overnight oats
- Spread onto toast – we love No Grainer!
Tips for Introducing Allergens Such as Peanuts
- With any new food, but especially a potential allergen, introduce a small amount at home and in the morning, so you can monitor any reaction. Reactions could be a skin rash including around the mouth, changes in normal bowel motions, alterations in breathing, asthma, atopic dermatitis or eczema.
- Introduce in an infant friendly formula such as peanut butter as whole peanuts are a choking hazard up until four years of age.
- Ensure the recipe you have included the allergen in contains no other new ingredients.
- Give three separate exposures, roughly 72 apart. Repeat exposure is key.
- If you do notice any reaction, stop the introduction and seek medical advice.
- Depending on your personal circumstances, the reaction and advice you are given, keep peanuts on your list but repeat the process again between 10-12 months of age.
Grace’s Peanut Butter Smoothie
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ banana
- ½ cup raspberries
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter, such as Byron Bay Peanut Butter
- 1 tablespoon collagen powder
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
Method
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until thick but smooth.
- Pour into a plastic cup and enjoy.
References
Greer FR et al., 2019. The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Hydrolyzed Formulas, and Timing of Introduction of Allergenic Complementary Foods. Pediatrics, 143, 4.