Step 1: Tip-of-spoon taste
Give a tiny amount of the prepared peanut food on the tip of a spoon. Wait about 10 minutes and watch for signs of an allergic reaction before continuing.
Peanut
Overview
Peanut is a priority allergen. For most babies, infant-safe peanut can be introduced with other complementary foods around 6 months (and as early as about 4–6 months when developmentally ready). Never give whole peanuts. If your baby has severe eczema and/or egg allergy, talk with a clinician before the first peanut offer.
Preparation
Use only infant-safe forms: smooth peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or a tolerated puree; peanut powder mixed into puree; or peanut puffs softened with water for younger infants. Never offer whole peanuts or thick sticky spoonfuls of undiluted peanut butter.
Three-step introduction
Step 2: Finish the first serving
If there is no reaction, gradually offer the rest of an infant-safe serving (about 2 g of peanut protein — for example, 2 teaspoons of smooth peanut butter thinned as above, or an equivalent softened peanut-puff serving).
Step 3: Keep peanut in the diet
If tolerated, continue offering infant-safe peanut regularly, about 2 to 3 times per week. This is educational guidance — follow your clinician’s advice for high-risk infants.
FAQ
When can peanut be introduced?
For most babies, infant-safe peanut foods can be introduced with other complementary foods once solids are started, typically around 6 months (and as early as about 4 to 6 months when developmentally ready). Delaying peanut after readiness does not prevent allergy.
What peanut forms are safe for infants?
Never feed whole peanuts to babies or young children — they are a choking hazard. Use infant-safe forms such as smooth peanut butter thinned in puree, breast milk, or formula. Avoid thick sticky spoonfuls of undiluted peanut butter.
What if my baby has severe eczema or an egg allergy?
Infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy are considered higher risk for peanut allergy. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about when and how to safely introduce peanut-containing foods before the first offer.
Should peanut stay in the diet after the first taste?
If peanut is tolerated, keep offering infant-safe peanut regularly as part of a varied diet. Educational guidance often describes continued, routine servings rather than a one-time taste.
Sources
- WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age (2023)
- CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- FAO/WHO — Risk assessment of food allergens: Part 1 (Codex priority allergen list)
- FDA — Food Allergies (major food allergens / Big 9)
- CDC — Infant and Toddler Nutrition FAQs
- NIAID — Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy in the United States
- AAP HealthyChildren — When to Introduce Egg, Peanut Butter & Other Common Food Allergens
- CDC — Iron (Infant and Toddler Nutrition)
- CDC — Zinc (Infant and Toddler Nutrition)
- USDA FoodData Central — Peanuts, all types, raw (FDC 172430)
- FDA — 21 CFR § 101.54 Nutrient content claims (good source / high)