How can I prevent my baby from having food allergies?
In 2017, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) introduced new peanut allergy guidelines for the early introduction of peanut-containing foods to infants. Research now tells us that early introduction of peanut can help prevent the development of peanut allergy.
Introducing peanut to babies with severe eczema, egg allergy or both
- Babies with severe eczema, egg allergy or both are at high risk for peanut allergy. These babies should be given peanut-containing foods between 4-6 months of age to reduce the risk of the baby developing a peanut allergy.
- The baby should first see a board-certified allergist for peanut allergy testing. Peanut allergy testing will help the specialist decide if peanut can be safely introduced, and if this needs to first be done in a specialist’s office.
Introducing peanut to babies with mild to moderate eczema
- Babies with mild or moderate eczema should have peanut-containing foods introduced into their diets at 6 months of age to reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy.
- These babies do not need to first see a specialist and can have peanut-containing foods introduced at home.
Introducing peanut to babies without eczema or egg allergy symptoms
- Babies without any eczema symptoms or egg allergy can have peanut-containing foods freely introduced into their diets together with other solid foods. Peanut can be introduced in accordance with family preferences and cultural practice.
- These babies also do not need to first see a specialist and can have peanut-containing foods introduced at home.
Introducing peanut to babies at risk for food allergies
- Important: Parents of children at risk for food allergies should not introduce peanut into their child’s diet without first consulting a board-certified allergist who can closely supervise and monitor the results.
Studies addressing early introduction of other food allergens – particularly egg and dairy – are ongoing.
How do I introduce peanut into my baby’s diet?
First, if your child is at risk for peanut allergy, consult with a pediatrician or board-certified allergist.
A baby’s first taste of peanut-containing products – such as in a puree or powder sauce — should be at home, not at a restaurant or daycare facility. Offer it on a small spoon.
Never give whole peanuts to an infant or young child, as they are a choking hazard until age 5.
Also, peanut-containing foods should not be given when your baby is ill. When your baby is trying a peanut product for the first time, it is important to watch for signs of a food allergy. An allergic reaction can happen up to two hours after trying a new food.
To make a peanut butter puree, you can use plain yogurt or pureed fruit or vegetables, breast milk or formula. If using a peanut butter powder or flour, you can mix it into warm water, oatmeal, applesauce or mashed banana.
Some children do well with Bamba, a commercial peanut-containing puff. For very young children (7 months or younger), the puffs should be softened in 4-6 tablespoons of water.
For children who are at risk for peanut allergy, the guidelines recommend two teaspoons of smoothed-out peanut given three times per week, until the age of 5. If you don’t give exactly that amount, or if it’s not three times per week, or if the child doesn’t want it one day, don’t worry. The exact timing and quantity of how often you give peanut is not as critical as being patient in trying to incorporate peanut-containing foods into the diet regularly.
As children get older and show no signs of peanut allergy, they should be able to handle different consistencies and multiple different forms of peanut foods.
you need to contact your doctor because it can be dangerous to restart immunotherapy on your own.
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Last updated : 7/15/2020