When can babies have peanut butter?

Babies can have peanut butter from about 6 months, when they are ready for solid foods. Peanut butter must be thinned or spread very thinly, never served as a spoonful. Babies at high risk of allergy may be advised by their doctor to start earlier, around 4–6 months.

Yes, babies can eat peanut butter once it is made safe for them. Thin smooth peanut butter with warm water, breast milk or formula and stir it into food, then from 7–8 months you can also spread a very thin layer on toast. Avoid chunky styles.

Peanut butter is a choking hazard for babies when it is thick or served in a glob, so it is rated a medium risk. Thin it to a runny texture or spread it very thinly, and never offer whole or chopped peanuts to children under 4.

Yes, peanut butter is a common allergen because peanut is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Early and regular introduction of peanut, from around 6 months, can reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy.

To serve peanut butter to a 6 month old, mix a small amount of smooth peanut butter with warm water, breast milk or formula until runny. Stir it into a food your baby already eats, such as oatmeal, yogurt or mashed banana.

Babies with severe eczema, a known egg allergy, or both should see a pediatrician or allergist before trying peanut butter. The doctor may test first or suggest starting peanut early under supervision, often between 4 and 6 months.

Once peanut butter is tolerated, offer it regularly, a few times a week, to help keep the allergy risk down. A common goal is about 2 teaspoons of peanut butter about three times a week (6 to 7 g of peanut protein weekly), mixed into other foods.

Chunky peanut butter is not safe for babies because the peanut pieces are a choking hazard. Use smooth peanut butter, thinned or spread thinly, until at least age 4.

The best peanut butter for babies lists only peanuts, or peanuts and a little salt, on the label. Avoid peanut butter with added sugar, honey, chocolate or hydrogenated oils, and choose unsalted when you can.

Peanut butter on its own is not a common cause of constipation, and it even contains some fiber. If stools get firm, serve peanut butter with fruit like pears or prunes, whole grain oats, and sips of water with meals.

Yes, peanut butter is a nutritious food for toddlers over 12 months, giving protein, healthy fats, vitamin E and magnesium. Spread it thinly on bread, crackers or thin apple slices, or stir it into oatmeal. Avoid spoonfuls and thick globs, and keep whole or chopped peanuts off the menu until at least age 4.

Yes, peanut butter is good for babies from about 6 months if thinned or spread very thinly. Introducing peanut early and keeping it in the diet about three times a week can lower the chance of peanut allergy. Stir a little smooth peanut butter into warm water, oatmeal or mashed banana.

Babies can have peanut butter from about 6 months; the only problem is its texture. Thick peanut butter can stick to the roof of the mouth and block the airway, so never give spoonfuls or globs. Thin it with water, breast milk or formula, or spread it very thinly on toast strips.