Question:
I see from the "picnic packing" thread that you are all recommending peanut
butter for kids? Here in the UK I'm pretty certain that peanut butter isn't recommended until
very late on - and I certainly avoided it until my eldest was at least 6
(although she did tell me once she was given a peanut butter sandwich at
nursery, when she was 4).
What's the general guidance on Peanut butter?
Answer:
I've seen several different recommendations ranging from 18 months
to three years. I think the later ages are more strongly
recommended if there is a history of any sort of allergies in the
family. One nurse told me that in the case of peanut butter, it
should be delayed until at least age 3 because it is a choking
hazard, besides the allergy risk. I have not given Julie peanut
butter or other peanut products yet and don't plan to anytime soon.
She eats so many other foods there's really no need, so I can't see
a reason to take the risk. I didn't feed the kids peanut butter until past three years old. It was
messy and hard to eat for the little ones. It wasn't so much the allergy
factor, but more of a too messy to eat factor, lol. Ch.. mentioned the US guideline of 18 mos to 3 years. FWIW, I don't plan
to give peanut butter until DS is closer to 3 years, because peanut
allergies are so bad. I have a cousin with peanut allergy and it's often
difficult to avoid them and the reactions are so severe from even topical
exposure that I figure, better safe than sorry! I do have Oral Allergy
Syndrome, so allergies are in the family. I said peanut butter but probably not for your kid. So I was
recommending it for HER. Although from the keeping without refrigeration standpoint, it is
pretty handy.
I was told (here in UK) no peanut products (including creams) until 5. I was
also told to avoid them in late pregnancy. I didn't give Jacob peanut butter until 18mo. But, I make
sure he doesn't get a mouth full of it. I have a time with
it myself if I get too much at once! lol I find it helps to
have something else with the peanut butter, like bread and
jam in a peanut butter sandwich with the peanut butter
spread thinly.
