Peanut Butter for Infants

Why It’s Now Recommended to Feed Infants Peanut Butter Early

By Brett Mendez, MS, APRN, NNP‑BC • VitalStart Pediatrics, A Professional Nursing Corporation

For many years, parents were told to avoid peanuts during infancy. Today, guidance has changed—and for good reason. Research over the last decade has shown that introducing peanut-containing foods early can actually reduce a child’s risk of developing a peanut allergy.

Here’s what parents need to know.

A Major Shift: Early Introduction Protects, Not Harms

Peanut allergies have become more common over the past 20 years, leading researchers to search for ways to prevent them. One pivotal study, the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) trial, found that infants who were introduced to peanut products early—between 4 and 6 months of age—had up to an 81% lower risk of developing a peanut allergy compared with infants who avoided peanuts.

These findings were strong enough that major organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), updated their guidelines to encourage early peanut introduction, especially for infants at risk for allergies.

When Should Infants Start Peanut Butter?

Most infants can try peanut products once they’re developmentally ready for solids—usually around 4–6 months—and after checking with their pediatric provider.

For babies at higher risk of allergies

(Those with severe eczema or an existing egg allergy)
Early introduction is still recommended, but it should be discussed with your pediatrician first. Sometimes testing or supervised introduction is suggested.

For most other babies

Peanut products can be safely introduced at home soon after starting solids.

How to Safely Introduce Peanut Butter

Because whole peanuts and thick peanut butter can be choking hazards, offer peanut products in safe, infant-friendly forms:

• Thinned smooth peanut butter
  Mix 1–2 teaspoons of smooth peanut butter with warm water, breast milk, or formula until it reaches a runny consistency.

• Peanut powder
  Stir into yogurt, oatmeal, or puréed fruits.

• Peanut puffs (age-appropriate)
  Some brands dissolve easily and can be a good starter option for older babies.

Start with a small amount, wait 10 minutes, and give the rest if no symptoms appear.

What Reactions Should Parents Watch For?

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Hives or skin redness

• Vomiting

• Swelling of lips or face

• Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

If any of these occur, seek immediate medical care or call 911.

Thankfully, reactions during first introduction are uncommon, and early exposure remains one of the most effective ways to reduce a child’s allergy risk.

In Summary

Early introduction of peanut-containing foods is now considered one of the best strategies to help prevent peanut allergies. Offering small, safe amounts of peanut butter when your baby begins solids is not only recommended—it’s protective.

If you’re unsure whether your baby is ready or your child has a history of eczema or allergies, your pediatric provider can guide you on the safest plan.