A staggering three out of every 100 children in Australia suffers from a peanut allergy, which justifies why many parents are hesitant when introducing peanuts into their children’s diet.
For decades, it’s been widely advised that infants avoid consumption of foods containing peanuts in a bid to avoid potential allergies. But despite these measures, the prevalence of peanut allergies has doubled over the last decade in countries like Australia where we advocate for the avoidance of peanuts during pregnancy, lactation and infancy. And, peanut allergies are particularly troublesome because they can result in sudden death from Anaphylaxis.
Scientists now believe, however, that by repeatedly exposing your child’s immune system to peanuts at an early age, it may help their bodies learn to tolerate the peanut proteins. This advice extends to children who are at ‘high-risk’ – such as kids who suffer from eczema and egg allergies. In fact, even if your child does suffer from other allergies, research indicated that desensitising via early peanut consumption can be effective.
Please note, however, it’s essential to consult with your doctor and put a plan in place for high-risk infants. Peanuts can be introduced alongside solids, around 4–6 months or, when your baby is developmentally ready.
Things to remember:
- Only introduce peanuts when your child is healthy – no tummy bug, cough or cold.
- Give the first peanut tasting at home, not at a restaurant.
- Make sure that at least one adult is able to provide full attention to the child, without distraction from other children, phones or TV.
- Make sure you are able to spend at least 2 hours post-feed with your baby to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.
How to introduce peanuts to your kids:
Start with two teaspoons of a high quality, all natural smooth peanut butter mixed with 2–3 teaspoons of warm water. Stir until well-combined and let it cool before adding to either vegetable puree or a tolerated cereal.
- Offer a small amount on the tip of the spoon and wait 10 minutes.
- If there is no allergic reaction, slowly give the remainder of the peanut-containing food at usual eating pace.
Ideally, you should integrate peanuts or peanut butter around three times per week and build it up gradually up until the age of five. Some examples include peanut butter on toast (Pic’s is delicious!), in smoothies, with fruit or vegetables or in a healthy homemade satay sauce.
It’s important to remember that when offering solids (especially foods linked to allergies), that a baby’s skin is very sensitive. That being the case, foods such as strawberries and tomatoes (and even too much sugar) can also cause a red rash around the mouth and this does not necessarily indicate an allergic reaction!
Symptoms of reactions can be mild to severe and include:
- Immediate burning sensation of the throat and tongue.
- Hives and redness of the face.
- Immediate feeling of unwell, followed by cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Swelling around the mouth, eyes and face.
- Hives and welts.
- Wheezing.
- Repetitive coughing.
- Sudden tiredness.
- Change in skin colour (pale, blue).
Note: If you have any concerns about your child’s response to peanuts, seek immediate medical attention.
The new updated guidelines and results from successful trials such as the LEAP study, convey a clear message that consumption, not avoidance, reduces the risk of developing a peanut allergy.
So all in all – fear not! While peanuts can be understandably unnerving, early exposure has shown to have a positive effect. Clinical Nutritionists (like myself), along with your GP, are here to guide the way.
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