When & How one can Introduce Peanut Butter to Your Child

The analysis is out! It’s time to place this controversial subject to relaxation. Based mostly on the groundbreaking LEAP (Studying Early About Peanut Allergy) trial printed in 2015, introducing peanut butter to your child at an early age could assist lower the danger of its allergy.  

In this trial, 640 infants between the ages of 4-11 months and at excessive threat of peanut allergy had been randomized to both the peanut consumption group or avoidance group till 60 months of age. Upon the completion of the trial, the contributors had been examined to find out the presence of a peanut allergy. The outcomes confirmed that 17.2% of those that averted peanuts examined constructive for the allergy. Alternatively, solely 3.2% of these uncovered to peanuts earlier than 60 months developed an allergy. So, introducing peanut butter to your child considerably decreased the event of peanut allergic reactions in high-risk infants. (1)

When to Introduce Peanut Butter to a Child

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) not too long ago got here out with suggestions for the introduction of peanuts for peanut allergy prevention. Largely influenced by the LEAP trial, the suggestions are as follows:

• introduction between 4-6 months for high-risk infants,
• introduction round 6 months for delicate to moderate-risk infants, and
• introduction relying on household and cultural follow for infants at low threat for peanut allergy.

Threat evaluation is predicated on the presence of eczema and/or egg allergy. Infants with no eczema or any meals allergy are thought-about low-risk for peanut allergy. The advice contains detailed steps for testing peanut reactions for high-risk infants, which you’ll be able to learn extra about in How one can Assist Forestall Peanut Allergy in Children. (2)

Developments in Peanut Allergy Therapy

In January of 2020, the FDA permitted a brand new peanut allergy remedy, Palforzia [Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder-dnfp]. It may be began with youngsters with a peanut allergy analysis who’re ages 4-17 years previous. Whereas kids who’re utilizing this FDA-approved remedy should nonetheless keep away from peanuts, it may assist lower their reactivity to any unplanned publicity. As at all times, work together with your well being care workforce to pursue such a remedy.

What does this imply for folks?

Advancing expertise and science could reveal further potentialities throughout the future. So, maintain a watch out for any new developments, and remember to work with a skilled allergist earlier than pursuing any of those choices upon FDA approval. As with every remedy, it’s vital to guage the dangers and advantages in your baby and household. For security functions, keep away from making an attempt to desensitize your baby from allergens at residence with out medical supervision.

What to contemplate earlier than introducing peanut butter to your child

In case your toddler is at high-risk for peanut allergy, seek the advice of your pediatrician to find out a secure plan of action previous to the introduction of peanut-containing meals. As a result of choking dangers, keep away from giving entire nuts to kids earlier than age 5. It’s additionally not really useful to provide peanut butter instantly from a spoon or in lumps earlier than age 4. So, proceed with warning. As a substitute, attempt crushing, mixing, mixing, and chopping nuts to an age-appropriate degree and take a look at the opposite choices beneath.

When introducing peanut butter to your child, be looking out for doable reactions. Delicate allergy signs could embrace a brand new rash or hives across the mouth or face. Extra extreme signs could include lip, face, and tongue swelling, widespread hives, problem respiratory, repetitive coughing, change in pores and skin shade, and/or sudden tiredness. In the event you suppose your baby is experiencing a extreme allergic response, search medical consideration/name 911 instantly. (3)

Straightforward Methods For Introducing Peanut Butter (4)

1. Dilute 2 teaspoons of peanut butter with 2-3 teaspoons of scorching water, system, or breast milk and funky earlier than serving.
2. Combine 2 teaspoons of peanut butter into 2-3 tablespoons of pureed child meals.
3. For older child contemplate making your personal peanut butter teething biscuits.

If you’d like an alternative choice that doesn’t contain peanut butter, try peanut-containing child snacks like peanut puffs.

What are the important thing takeaways?

In case your toddler is at excessive threat for peanut allergy, AAP recommends an early introduction to peanuts. So, remember to seek the advice of together with your medical supplier to find out a plan for introducing peanut butter to your child safely.

Whereas there will not be a remedy for peanut allergic reactions, desensitization to a small amount of peanuts could also be doable. To not point out, it might assist put your thoughts relaxed when making an attempt completely different packaged meals, eating places, or whereas at social occasions. However, if you have already got a baby with a peanut allergy, check out What if Peanuts May Remedy Peanut Allergic reactions?

Bio: Amy Chen, MS, RD, CDE is a registered dietitian within the San Francisco Bay Space. She enjoys writing, spending time along with her household, and discovering straightforward recipes.