Peanut butter for Babies: How to Serve Them Safely
Yes. Smooth peanut butter can generally be introduced around 6 months, thinned so it is not sticky. Never offer a glob of peanut butter or whole peanuts. Early, regular peanut introduction is recommended for most babies because it lowers the risk of peanut allergy.
Can babies eat peanut butter?
Yes, when it is smooth and thinned. Mix a small amount into breast milk, formula, yogurt, or puree, or spread a very thin layer on a toast strip.
When can babies have peanut butter?
Around 6 months for most babies. Infants with severe eczema or egg allergy should be evaluated for peanut introduction, sometimes with testing, based on NIAID-style guidance. Do not delay peanut to age 1 without a reason.
Peanut butter provides protein, unsaturated fat, and calories. It is an efficient allergen food and a useful spread once tolerated.
How to serve peanut butter
How to serve peanut butter at 6 months
Stir 1–2 teaspoons of smooth peanut butter into a few teaspoons of warm water, breast milk, or puree until it is saucy, not sticky. Offer a small taste from a spoon.
How to serve peanut butter at 9 months
Spread a very thin layer on toast strips or mix into oats. You should still be able to see the bread through the spread.
How to serve peanut butter at 12+ months
Keep serving thin spreads. Whole peanuts and thick spoonfuls remain choking hazards well into childhood.
Are peanut butter a choking hazard?
Thick peanut butter can glue the tongue to the palate and block the airway. Thin it. Never serve whole peanuts, peanut brittle, or globs on a spoon.
Are peanut butter an allergen?
Peanut is a major allergen. Offer the first taste at home, in a small amount, when your baby is well. Watch for hives, vomiting, swelling, or breathing changes. If tolerated, serve peanut foods about twice a week.
How much peanut butter can a baby eat?
First serving: about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter thinned into a puree. Build up to 2 teaspoons of peanut product, a few times a week, if tolerated.
Do peanut butter need to be cooked?
No. Use commercial smooth peanut butter. Cooking is not required.
Can babies eat frozen peanut butter?
Not useful as a frozen food. Keep peanut butter in the pantry or fridge per the label.
How to prepare peanut butter
- Use smooth peanut butter with no whole nuts.
- Thin with water, milk, or puree until it drips from a spoon.
- Avoid honey-sweetened spreads for babies under 12 months.
Storage
- Store sealed peanut butter in a cool cupboard or the fridge, following the label.
Easy peanut butter recipes
Frequently asked questions
Is powdered peanut butter okay?
Peanut powders mixed into a thin puree can be used for introduction. Follow the same small-taste, then regular-exposure pattern.
What if there is a family history of peanut allergy?
Most babies can still be introduced at home. High-risk infants need a clinician’s plan. Do not guess if eczema is severe.
Sources
- Addendum guidelines for the prevention of peanut allergy in the United States — NIAID
- Food Allergies in Babies and Children — American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
- Starting Solid Foods — American Academy of Pediatrics
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods — CDC
- Complementary feeding — World Health Organization
- Your baby’s first solid foods — NHS
Reviewed by Morvarid Nikousokhantayar, Canadian Child Nutrition & BLW Expert.