Peanuts vs. Peanut Butter

S

southside852

Registered User
I know that peanuts/nuts are not supp to be given to your baby until at least 3 years old or never if they are at risk for an allergy, but what about peanut butter? isn't that the same? but then i noticed Annabel Karmel uses it in her recipes for 12 month years old and she wouldn't use it if it wasn't safe for the little ones.

I cannot help but think my 13 month year old would still have trouble swallowing it b/c of its sticky nature.

Has anyone fed their child peanut butter???? Would love some feedback on this.
 
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both of my kids had it. you just need a VERY little bit. my girl actually had it earlier than 12months because she always stole her brother's
"pooh bear bread" --peanut butter sandwich cut into small squares
 
No. I have not fed my two year old either peanuts or peanut butter (no difference as peanut butter is still made from peanuts) as his doc said to wait until he was three to avoid allergies. But interestingly, there was a study last year that said that peanut allergies may be more common in those who wait to introduce peanuts. Here's a link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27596933/. This is all very confusing!
 
I know that some baby/toddler recipe books include peanut butter in recipes for quite young children, but I would advise caution in introducing peanut butter to your child.

I waited until my son was 2 years old to give him peanut butter - he did not like it at all, it hardly went into his mouth, but within minutes was having a severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, face swelling) and we had to rush him to hospital. Fortunately, it did not affect his breathing on this occasion but it's possible any reaction in the future could be worse. Now we carry an Epi-pen just in case of emergencies. Most people are very understanding when I ask of any new food (particularly cakes, cookies and Asian food) whether it contains any nuts.
 
I thought that you didn't give whole nuts until 3 years of age because of the risk of choking and that you didn't give nuts and peanut butter to under 12 months because of the risk of alergies.

That's just what I have in my head, so I could be wrong! I was planning on giving peanut butter after 12 months.

Belinda

Belinda
 
both of my kids also had whole peanuts UNDER SUPERVISION by the time they were 18-20 months.
 
so i guess it sounds like personal choice then after 12 months? those who have given it in sandwich form - your bubs were ok swallowing it? i assume just a thin layer was it....
 
I'm with Joshsmum - after 12 months for allergy purposes, and after 3 for choking.

And it aklso depends on your family history - hubby and I both have nut allergies, and hence are quite cautious.

Also important to know that for many children, the allergy might not present itself on the first go - but on the second or third.

The first three times we gave our son peanut butter, we made sure we were within two minutes of a doctor's office....
 
Interestingly, we gave our 13 and a half month old the smooth type and he wasn't so keen, but he really went for the chunky type and has it every day for breakfast now, thickly spread on bread or toast. His dad loves peanut butter and has been putting it into bub's mouth from when he was 10 months old (without telling me)...but then again, none of us suffer from allergies, so we're just lucky.
 
I was cautious with certain foods that are the most likely to cause allergic reaction - shellfish, eggs, peanuts, etc. And it was fortunate I was if you read my post above. Obviously most people will not have this type of reaction, but it is important to recognise the signs and know what to do if it does occur. One of the advantages of waiting until children are a bit older also is that they can communicate better that they are not feeling well, they are itchy, it's hard to breathe, etc. Sorry if I sound pedantic about all this, but I am so nervous now at the sight of peanuts/peanut butter when my child is near (even though I love them myself).
 
Since there are no nut allergy history in either of our families, we gave our son peanut butter at 16mths. he didn't have any reactions to it so we will occasionally mix some into his oatmeal for breakfast - he doesn't really like sandwiches. We haven't given whole nuts yet (he is 2 now) but we do grind up pumpkin and sunflower seeds to add to his yoghurt/oatmeal and haven't had any issues. I suppose I could grind up whole nuts too but just haven't done that yet...
 
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