My baby has eczema. Should I wait to give peanuts?

Crucial Step: Babies with severe eczema or an existing egg allergy are at the highest risk for peanut allergy. The AAP recommends consulting your pediatrician before the first taste, as they may suggest a supervised introduction in the doctor's office.

How do I give peanut butter to a 6-month-old?

Thin smooth peanut butter with breast milk or water to a runny consistency. You can also mix peanut powder into purees. Never give a spoonful of thick peanut butter, as it's a choking hazard.

What does a 'mild' peanut reaction look like?

Watch for a few hives around the mouth, a new "diaper rash" appearance, or mild vomiting. If your baby has trouble breathing or widespread swelling, call emergency services immediately.

Safe Peanut Introduction for Babies: AAP Guidelines & 5 Easy Prep Tips

Early peanut introduction, with continued, regular servings, has been shown to prevent peanut allergy in infants. Learn the safest way to give your baby peanuts based on AAP guidelines.

Age recommendation

From 6 months. AAP recommends early introduction to reduce allergy risk, especially for high-risk babies.

Preparation tips

Never whole peanuts: major choking hazard until age 4+
Thin it out: Mix 2 teaspoons of smooth peanut butter with 2-3 teaspoons of breast milk, formula, or water until it is a thin puree.
Pure mix-in: You can also stir thinned peanut butter into a fruit or vegetable puree your baby has already tried
Start small: offer a small amount and wait 2 hours to monitor for reactions

Things to watch for

Top allergen: watch for hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing difficulty
Choking hazard: whole peanuts are unsafe until at least age 4
Smooth only: chunky peanut butter is NOT safe for babies
Eczema or egg allergy: If your baby has severe eczema or an egg allergy, they are considered 'high risk'. Talk with your pediatrician first; they may recommend introducing peanut products as early as 4 to 6 months

Frequently asked questions

My baby has eczema. Should I wait to give peanuts?: Crucial Step: Babies with severe eczema or an existing egg allergy are at the highest risk for peanut allergy. The AAP recommends consulting your pediatrician before the first taste, as they may suggest a supervised introduction in the doctor's office.
How do I give peanut butter to a 6-month-old?: Thin smooth peanut butter with breast milk or water to a runny consistency. You can also mix peanut powder into purees. Never give a spoonful of thick peanut butter, as it's a choking hazard.
What does a 'mild' peanut reaction look like?: Watch for a few hives around the mouth, a new "diaper rash" appearance, or mild vomiting. If your baby has trouble breathing or widespread swelling, call emergency services immediately.

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