Peanuts for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve peanuts to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Peanuts to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
Whole peanuts pose a very high choking risk and should never be served to babies or young toddlers. For this age, introduce peanuts only as a smooth, unsalted, and thin peanut butter (mixed with breast milk, formula, or yogurt) or as peanut powder dissolved into a soft food. The mixture should be smooth and runny—about 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 ml). Avoid any lumps or pasty textures, as these can also present a choking hazard.
Serving Instructions
Starting around 6 months, peanuts should only be introduced as a safe, allergen exposure strategy—never as whole nuts or in pieces, which can be deadly choking hazards. A safe serving is 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 ml) of smooth peanut butter, well-thinned with breast milk, formula, or yogurt, or a similar amount of peanut powder mixed thoroughly into a familiar pureed or mashed food. Serve as part of a meal featuring iron-rich foods (such as pureed meats, beans, or iron-fortified cereal), a healthy fat (like avocado), and vitamin C–rich produce (such as oranges or broccoli) to support iron absorption. Limit to 2–3 times a week, monitoring carefully for signs of allergy.
How to Serve Peanuts to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
Continue to avoid whole peanuts and chunky peanut butter due to the ongoing high choking risk. For this age group, serve peanuts only as smooth, unsalted peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt, or as peanut powder mixed thoroughly into soft foods like oatmeal or applesauce. Offer 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 ml) per meal, no more than 3 times per week, watching closely for any signs of allergy. As your child’s skills improve, you may gradually thicken the mixture but always ensure it is not sticky or stiff. Never serve peanut pieces or thick globs of peanut butter.
Serving Instructions
For ages 9–18 months, continue offering peanuts only as a thin, smooth peanut butter or as peanut powder well-incorporated into soft foods. Serve 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 ml) per meal, up to 3 times per week. Ensure other meal components include a balance of protein (meat, beans, lentils), fiber-rich grains, healthy fats, and vitamin C–rich fruits and vegetables. Never offer whole or chopped peanuts. Maintain careful supervision for signs of allergy, as allergic reactions often show up at this age.
How to Serve Peanuts to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
Whole peanuts and chunky peanut butter continue to pose a choking hazard for children under 4 years. For toddlers 18 months+, continue serving only thin, smooth peanut butter (offered as a spread on soft bread, mixed into yogurt, oatmeal, or other soft foods), or peanut powder incorporated into meals. Portion size remains 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 ml) per serving, a few times per week. With improved chewing skills, you may gradually allow slightly thicker spreads, but avoid dry, sticky textures and always supervise closely. Never offer whole or halved peanuts until at least 4 years old.
Serving Instructions
For children 18 months and up, serve peanuts only as smooth, thin peanut butter or peanut powder stirred into soft foods, or as a spread on soft bread. Offer 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 ml) per serving, a few times per week. As your child’s self-feeding skills improve, you may slightly thicken the spread, but it must not be sticky or dry. Pair with wholesome grains, lean proteins, healthy fats (avocado), and vitamin C–rich produce for balanced nutrition. Never offer whole or half peanuts until at least age 4, due to ongoing high choking risk.
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