In the past parents were told to hold off offering foods that potentially could cause an allergic reaction in infants. Not so any longer. Today, we realize that feeding common allergens early can significantly reduce allergies. Most notably are peanut allergies.
Parents are now urged to introduce peanut products by six months of age. Infants are sorted into 3 groups. Group 1 are the infants that have already reacted to a known allergic food, like eggs, or have severe to moderate eczema or both. They should have their first introduction to peanut containing foods at 4 to 6 months administered at the pediatrician’s office. Group 2 are infants with moderate eczema who should be given peanut containing foods at 4 to 6 months. This can be done either at home or in the doctor’s office if the parent is more comfortable in that setting. Group 3 are low risk infants who should be offered small amounts of peanut containing food at home by 6 months.
DO: Introduce low allergen foods first – fruits, vegetables, oatmeal. Use thinned peanut butter mixed with pureed fruits, vegetables, formula or breast milk. Start with only a teaspoon or two. Do the first introduction when the baby is alert and happy, on a weekday when a doctor can be reached. Peanut puffs can also be melted into breast milk or formula as a first peanut introduction.
DO NOT: Give infants whole or ground up peanuts or feed full strength peanut butter.
There is no evidence that withholding allergen foods will prevent food allergies.
Talk to your pediatrician for advice on handling food introduction for your baby.
