When has your doctor allowed peanut butter in your child's diet?

Question

My doctor has said no peanut butter until two years of age. We don't have any food allergies in the family, although my son does have eczema. But before my son was born, my pediatrician said the same thing for my daughter, who has no allergies or eczema. I've talked to other people who have heard different things from their doctors, so I guess what I'm looking for is a wide variety of answers and maybe a few sources for why there is such a wide range. When did you give your kids peanut butter? Do they have any allergies?

Answer 1

Your question made me do some reasearch. We were told to wait until after she was 1yo, but only for a choking hazard reason. My 3yo was 18m when she first had peanut butter (for other health reasons). My 15mo has had peanut butter already, no problems. Her doctor said it was fine.

However, I will give you these two sites I found that say they shouldn't have it until they're three years old because of a risk of allergy. http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/nutrition/peanut_butter_controversy.html - http://babyparenting.about.com/od/nutritionandfeeding/f/peanutbutter.htm
The 2nd one actually says that the American Academy of Pediatrics is the one that recommends the older age range.

Good luck! :)

Answer 2

When my 4 year old was born, I was told 1 year old for peanut butter. Now it seems like 2 is the general consensus. It's because of the rise in peanut allergies. There are certain indicators that a child may be at risk: asthma, other allergies, eczema, or a relative with any of those.

I followed the one year rule with both of my kids. My first had no problems and my second (who has eczema) broke out in hives.

Answer 3

I have one that's 22 months and a 6 year old. They both were able to have peanut butter at 1 year. My 6 year old did have a strange allergy to cheetos, but by the time she was about 5, she grew out of it. My 22 month old, as far as we know, doesn't have any food allergies.
His favorite lunch is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Answer 4

Just be careful, when my son was 2 yrs old, I gave him raisins that were from a trail mix, his face blew up a scary amount! I found out about his nut allergy that day. He has had a couple of severe reactions since then (he is 4 now), yet he has never had peanuts or peanut butter. It was strictly from his food somehow touching the nuts- or someone touching the nuts and then touching his food.

Answer 5

They normally don't allow peanut butter until the age of 2 because of the choking hazard. Creamy peanut butter on fresh bread can stick to the roof of the mouth or get caught in the throat. It is nearly impossible to break loose from the throat once it is stuck because it isn't like a piece of food that can get stuck.
I started using extra chunky peanut butter on toast when mine were about 18 months old. I only put a very thin layer and we never had a problem.

Answer 6

I started giving my daughters peanut butter around 2 years (they are 3 now) and they have no food allergies.

Answer 7

Another reason besides allergies that Peanut Butter should be avoided is that most children can not swallow it well because it is so thick. It is a chocking hazard to children under the age of two. I would agree with the two years old recommendation because of this.

Answer 8

My doctor told us not until after 1 year of age...They dont have any type of food allergies...They love peanut butter. I was more afraid of hot dogs then peanut butter.

Answer 9

I gave my daughter peanut butter at 1 year. Just spread it very thin on a cracker to reduce the risk of choking or getting stuck on the roof of his mouth. Don't introduce any other new foods the same day and watch him for any reactions.

Answer 10

We started our daughter at age one. She's fine with it. My mom never gave me peanut butter till I was around 5 and I'm now allergic. So it's up to you.
Our daughter is allergic to cats, but no foods and both my husband and I have some mild food allergies.