Can Babies Eat Peanuts?
Yes, but only in a safe form. Give smooth peanut butter thinned into other food from around 6 months. Never give whole peanuts or thick spoonfuls of peanut butter, since both are choking hazards. Introducing peanut early can lower the risk of peanut allergy.
Peanut is worth introducing early, because doing so can lower the chance of a peanut allergy. The catch is that it has to be given in a safe form. Whole peanuts and thick peanut butter are choking hazards, so the answer is smooth peanut butter thinned into food. This guide covers how to do it safely.
What is a peanut?
A peanut is the seed of a plant in the pea family. Unlike tree nuts, peanuts grow underground, which is why they are also called groundnuts. They are eaten roasted, as peanut butter and in many cooked dishes.
The safe way to give peanut to a baby is as a smooth butter mixed into something soft. Stir a little thinned peanut butter into warm oatmeal, or mix it with mashed banana.
Peanut nutrition for babies
Peanuts are high in protein and healthy fats, with fibre. Babies only have a small amount at a time, as thinned peanut butter.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (raw peanuts) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 567 kcal |
| Protein | 25.8 g |
| Fat | 49.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 16.1 g |
| Fibre | 8.5 g |
Values for raw peanuts. A baby has only a teaspoon or so of thinned peanut butter. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
When can babies eat peanut?
Peanut can start from around 6 months, once your baby is eating other solids well. Always give it as smooth, thinned peanut butter:
Mix a small amount of smooth peanut butter into warm water until runny, then stir it into oatmeal or fruit puree.
Spread a thin layer of smooth peanut butter on soft food, keeping it thin so it does not form a sticky lump.
Offer a thin layer of smooth peanut butter on toast fingers. Keep it thin, and still no whole nuts.
Choking: whole peanuts and pieces of nut are a serious choking hazard and should not be given to children under about 5 years. Thick peanut butter straight from the jar is also a risk, so always thin it into food.
Health benefits of peanut for babies
Protein
Peanut is high in protein, which babies need for steady growth and development.
Healthy fats
Peanut provides unsaturated fats that give babies energy in a small amount of food.
Lower allergy risk
Introducing peanut early, and keeping it in the diet, can lower the chance of a peanut allergy developing.
Once your baby has safely tried peanut, keep offering it now and then to keep it in the diet. It is one of several common allergens, along with egg, that current advice suggests introducing early. See more first foods in our nuts guide.
How to serve peanut safely
Do
Avoid
- Whole peanuts or chopped nuts under about 5 years.
- Thick peanut butter straight from the jar.
- Crunchy peanut butter with nut pieces.
- Starting at nursery or away from home the first time.
Risks and safety
Peanut carries two separate risks: choking on whole nuts or thick butter, and a food allergy. Manage choking by only ever giving smooth, thinned peanut butter. Manage allergy by introducing it early, watching your baby closely, and getting advice first if your baby is higher risk.
Higher risk babies: babies with severe eczema or an egg allergy have a higher chance of peanut allergy. Talk to your doctor before introducing peanut, as they may suggest testing or a first taste under supervision. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains how to introduce peanut and reduce allergy risk.
Easy peanut recipe (6 months)
Peanut butter porridge for baby
Makes 1 to 2 baby portions, from 6 monthsIngredients
- 1 tsp smooth peanut butter, no added salt or sugar
- 3 tbsp warm oatmeal or fruit puree
Method
- Stir the smooth peanut butter into a little warm water until it is thin and runny, with no thick lumps.
- Mix it thoroughly into the warm oatmeal or fruit puree.
- Check the texture is smooth, let it cool to a safe temperature, then offer a small amount and watch your baby.
Peanut FAQ
When can babies eat peanut?
Babies can have peanut from around 6 months, but only as smooth peanut butter thinned into other food. Never give whole peanuts or thick spoonfuls of peanut butter, since both are choking hazards.
Can babies eat whole peanuts?
No. Whole peanuts and pieces of nut are a serious choking hazard and should not be given to children under about 5 years. Use smooth peanut butter, thinned into food, instead.
Does giving peanut early prevent allergy?
Introducing peanut early, from around 6 months, can lower the chance of a baby developing a peanut allergy. If your baby has severe eczema or an egg allergy, talk to your doctor first, as they may be higher risk.
What are the signs of a peanut allergy?
Signs can include hives, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, coughing or wheezing, usually soon after eating. Any breathing trouble or swelling needs urgent medical help. Introduce peanut at home so you can watch your baby.
Sources
- Peanut, Wikipedia.
- FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Food Allergies in Children, American Academy of Pediatrics.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. Talk to your doctor, health visitor or paediatrician about your own baby, and about starting solids or any allergy concerns.
