When is it ok to introduce your toddler to peanut butter?

[Brittany Harman]

My son is 20 months and when he was just a little over one the day care without permission gave him peanut butter crackers which resulted in him breaking out in a red blotchy rash all over his face and neck and his ears turned bright red. Nothing else seemed to be bothering him but I assumed it was the peanut butter since he had never had it before. The rash cleared up on its own within an hour and he went about playing. I'm just wondering if that means he is allergic to it forever now or if and when I could possibly try to give it to him again in a small amount and see what happens. Anything will help. It would be nice to throw together a quick pb&j for lunch once in awhile.

 

[K-Town Mama]

I would consult the doctor before giving him anything peanut again. If he is allergic, the second reaction will be worse than the first.

Usually you can introduce peanut products after a year. I gave my son peanut butter when he was 10 months. (Close enough! lol) We have no allergies in the family and we had peanuts in the house at all times. We kissed him after eating peanuts all the time as a baby (it never occured to me not to). So by 10 months, I knew it would be fine to give it to him.

As for your son, I would def. see a doctor first!

 

[pepper the gangsta cat]

NO!

It might get stuck on the roof of his mouth.

 

[Kate]

Wait a couple of months and try it again and if it happens again then most likely he is allergic, they usually say you can introduce nuts and peanut butter between one and two years old. If he continues to break out ask a doctor to test him for a peanut allergy.

 

[ozric510]

Most sources say a year old but peanuts are indeed one of the biggest allergens so you should probably talk to your doctor about this. I've been giving my son (18 months) Almond Butter and Jelly sandwiches though. You might consider that but be sure to start with small amounts. Maybe it would be good to call your pediatrician or an advice line with your doctor first.

 

[Chibi Oka-san]

A doc normally says at age 1 it's ok only if the child doesn't have a family history of that allergy. I would try once more under your own supervision and see what happens.