Peanut Allergy - Battle Creek, MI

hey K.,

my son has a mild peanut allergy that we noticed when he was about 24 months. we started him with those peanut butter filled crackers. not long after that, my husband noticed sam was getting fussy and he had a strange and maintained rash on his back. we took him off it completely and found the symptoms immediately went away.

i asked his ped and she said he will probably "grow out" of the allergy and to have him tested by a pediatric allergist before trying it again. he will be 7 soon but because his allergy seems so mild i haven't had him tested yet. my understanding of the newer methods of testing is that they are less invasive and more benign. i would try beaumont.edu and go to their dr. search to see if they have a ped allergist on their service.

best of luck! :-)

S.

My nephew has a severe peanut allergy and was given a peanut butter cookie at age 2. There is no family history of peanut allergy on either side of his family and now he must live with this for the rest of his life. Doctors recommend age 3 for trying nuts for a good reason. I'd wait if I were you.

I am not absolutely positive, but I am thinking my pediatrician said not give it to them until about 2 or 3. Hope that helps.

Hi, K.,

Complex issue, for sure. Generally, the recommendation to avoid common allergens end at a year, except in families with a history of fatal allergies (usually limited to nuts, beans, egg whites, shellfish & mustard).

Peanuts are, botanically, legumes -- in the same family as peas, beans and lentils. Nuts are different and include almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, etc.

It is probably okay -- watch for signs of allergy after the second or third time he eats the food. First he has to be sensitized to it, and that doesn't generally happen the first time.

our family has no food allergies also. i let my kids try peanut butter around a year to a year and a half with no reactions to it. i still don't give them nuts just because they are a choking hazard. but, every once in a while they have peanut butter and they love it! i have heard that introducing foods that are more prone to cause an allergy too soon can make the child more prone to developing an allergy to that food. if you're really concerned ask your doc, but if there's no allergy to peanuts in your family, chances are he'll be fine! good luck on trying new foods!!!

My doctor had me wait until they were 3. That was a long time and neither of them like peanut butter now. We did not have a family history either. If I were you, I would wait a little bit longer. At least until he is 2. MMMM, I need some peanut butter and toast now.
L.

Hello! I would go ahead and let him try peanut butter. My son did a little before his first birthday--he wanted to take bites of my sandwich. Neither my husband or I have any family history of peanut allergies. Now my almost three year old would starve if it wasn't for peanut butter! AS far as what to look for in an allergy reaction, try to look it up online. I know you have to look at breathing (as in the throat swelling up or even the tongue). I am lucky that so far, my boys seem to be allergy free although my youngest is only 5 months, but has eaten all the cereals, fruits & veggies already with no problem. My oldest also loves to eat peanuts and his favorite is almonds. We used to have to cut up the almonds for him. Good luck!

Hi K., My name is Tabatha and I have an 8 year old who is very allergic to peanuts and nuts of any kind.He was 18 months old when we had our first scare and experience with this and let me tell you as mother this was the scariest time in my whole 36 years of life. So if you do decide to let your child try more a bit at a time make sure that you are with him from the first bite and for at least a couple hours after to watch him or her. The lips will start to swell the breathing becomes shallow then things just get worse from there by the time we made it to the hospital he was barley breathing and he was so swelled that he did not look human or like my son his lips split and they even sent in the hospital pastor to be with us. This was my experience and something I hope no one else has to go through this. Thanks Tabatha

K.,

Don't forget to look for signs of food intolerances. These signs can appear anywhere from 20 minutes after eating up to 4 days after eating.

Look for anything out of the ordinary for your child and don't try any other "new" foods while testing peanut butter.

Here are a few signs:
upset stomach, headachy, unexplained rashes, itching, runny nose, dark circles around the eyes, excess ear drainage (which can lead to ear infections), sensitivity to touch, sound, changes in light, etc.

This is just a short list, but with your son so young it can be difficult to gauge the other reactions you might see in older children or adults.

If you see an intolerance symptom stop feeding the new food and talk to an allergist who deals with food intolerance issues in children. If you continue to feed your child a food that he is intolerant to he may eventually develop an allergy that can be very severe.

Also, make sure your son gets a variety of foods every day, including 3-5 servings of fruits and 5+ servings of vegetables, and rotate what you offer on a four day schedule. Offering different colors and types of fruits and veggies will prevent the food chemical chains from building up in his system and overloading his body's ability to flush allergens from his system.

I hope this isn't too much information and helps you to make an informed decision.

Good luck!

p.s. I waited until my son was 3 to feed him peanut butter and until he was 5 for whole nuts.

My ped said to wait until 3 years old. Allergy is a concern, but also it's very sticky.

I'm allergic to peanut butter, it gives me horriblezx migraine headaches.

There are many other ways for your little one to get protein. I would wait to play it safe.

I think my son's doctor said not to give them nuts until after 1 year old. So, I think you're safe. I told the doctor he lives on PB & J, and she was shocked I would give him the peanut butter.

He survived!

My doctor told me to wait until my daughter was 2 years old.

This was a good article about PB. My doc says 3 years old, we have no familial history of allergies, but I'm still being as cautious as possible (I didn't even eat peanuts/PB when I was preggo or when I was nursing).

www.keepkidshealthy.com
THE PEANUT BUTTER CONTROVERSY
Surprisingly, at least to me, one of the more controversial topics that I receive email about is our listing peanut butter in our article on starting solids. It used to be believed that you should just avoid giving large chunks of peanut butter to younger children, as this was considered a choke hazard, but that it was okay to offer small amounts of smooth peanut butter that was thinly spread. Now, I get many emails from parents who were told by their Pediatrician or allergist to not give their children peanut butter until they are at least 2-3 years old.

The worry about food allergies is the main reason for these new warnings. Although allergies to peanuts are not the most common type of food allergies (allergies to milk and eggs are more common), they can be among the most serious and are usually considered to be the least likely to be outgrown.

It would seem that one of the main reasons to not give peanut butter to your children until they are older is to prevent your child from developing a peanut allergy.

It is often recommended that children who are at high risk of having food allergies, either because

they have had intolerances or allergies to other foods/formula

they have other 'allergic type disorders,' such as eczema, allergic rhinitis (hayfever), and/or asthma or family members with these conditions

they have other family members with food allergies or other 'allergic type disorders'

avoid those foods that cause the most allergies, including cow's milk, citrus fruits and juices, and wheat until 12 months of age, eggs until age 2, and peanuts and shellfish until 3 years of age.

However, if your child is not at risk of having a food allergy, this may not be necessary. Still, some children who are not high risk still have allergic reactions to peanuts, so the only way to avoid an allergic reaction, if you are worried about it, is to avoid peanuts and peanut butter.

As with many things, you have to weigh the benefits of giving your child peanut butter with the risks of an allergic reaction. And peanut butter can be a beneficial food. The American Academy of Pediatrics even includes peanut butter as a snack food for a one year old child in this article on toddler diets and calls peanut butter a healthy snack.

It is believed that peanut allergies are increasing because we are being exposed to peanuts so much, so taking steps to decrease that exposure and possibly prevent a food allergy does make sense. And most allergists do believe that the earlier that you are exposed to a food, the more likely that you may develop an allergy to that food.

So is there any reason to give your younger children peanut butter?

I think the best reason is that most younger children, even those who are very picky eaters, like eating peanut butter and it is a 'good' food, being high in protein, having plenty of calories, no cholesterol, and being rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, Vitamin E and B Vitamins. Combine some peanut butter thinly spread on a piece of white bread, and you are also getting your child lots of calcium too (from the bread).

Other things to keep in mind:

Food allergies are much less common than most parents believe, only affecting about 3-6% of children and 1-2% of adults. According to our own Nutrition Survey, 16% of respondants thought their children had food allergies, way above the usual incidence reports. So your child is likely less at risk for developing a food allergy than you believe.

Your child may very well develop food allergies no matter what you do.

Allergists are most likely to see kids with allergic diseases (makes sense, right) and so are going to lean towards recommending that you avoid peanuts and other 'allergic' foods.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend delaying the introduction of peanuts until a child is 3 years of age, that recommendation is only for 'high-risk infants' and not for all children. Remember that children are considered to at high-risk for developing allergies to peanuts if they have other food allergies or other family members with food allergies.
I am not saying that you have to give your children peanut butter. I don't own a peanut farm and don't receive any subsidies or grants from the peanut lobby or the American Peanut Council, but I do believe that peanut butter can be a nutritious food that most kids like.

I also think that it isn't necessarily a good idea to restrict your children's diet, especially when they are likely already picky eaters. However, even if they aren't at risk for food allergies, if they have a varied diet and aren't very picky, then not giving peanut butter isn't going to do any harm either.

Hopefully this article will give you more information about the risks and benefits of peanut butter and will help you make a healthy decision for your family.

Keep in mind that the best way to avoid food allergies is to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of your child's life (that means no formula supplements and no solid foods), continue to breastfeed until your child is at least 12 months old, avoid peanuts and treenuts while you are pregnant and breastfeeding (especially if your child is high risk), and consider using a hypoallergenic formula (such as Nutramigen or Alimentum) if you do want to supplement breastfeeding with formula.

Make sure you have benadryl handy. Since there is no family history, I think you've waited long enough to try. It is a choking hazard as pp said.

I would not suggest giving peanut butter until they are three years old. That is what my peditrican told me.

Hi, my youngest son has peanut allergies and he is also allergic to a few other things milk is one of them. We have no history of food allergies on either side of th family so it is all new to us. The peanut butter can be deadly if he is severely allergic. My son was highly allergic and I have to carry an epipen in case he accidentally eats something with peanuts. That is a shot to give him until the ambulance arrives. I found out because my son was being tested for the milk allergy and they drew blood and ran some tests. With the milk allergy, which is not even nearly as severe as the nuts,he vomited and had red spots and watery eyes. My older two children were eating peanut butter by age two.

I think they recommmend waiting until 2 to do peanut butter

I would try, but remember p.nut butter is very sticky, and can be a chocking hazard.

I would check with your pediatrician, a peanut allergy can be deadly. It may only cause your child to stop breathing, that was the only symptom for my niece & yes, they carry an epi-pen everywhere. They cannot go to a steakhouse as a family and they must ask at every restaurant about the type of oil that the restaurant cooks with. She's been able to eat @ McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's, AppleBee's, but if they haven't been to AppleBee's in a while they ask again. It's a serious thing & they've been studying it so your pediatrician should be able to give you a good idea.
Good luck

Hi! The recommended age to let children try peanut butter is 3 years old - so I would hold off. My daughter is allergic to peanuts (confirmed via skin test at 1 year) and has other food allergies and there is no history of food allergies on mine or my husband's side of the family. It's best to play it safe, but you could always ask your pediatrician and see if he has any reservations about you letting your son have peanut butter or not. Best of luck whatever you decide.

K.,
My sister had all kinds of food allergies and on my husband side I don't think there was anyone...I have 3 boys and 1 girl so far all my boys are allergic to peanuts, peanut oils and butter. Each one has a different reaction my oldest just vomits and turns red or gets hives my middle son blows up and needs an epi pen the youngest is 1 so I haven't been down that road but if it is around and they want to try it go for it, just know there are alot of foods that can cause allergic reactions not just peanuts, for example my second son was seen by an allergist he is also allergic to eggs and chicken (and was tested for wheat, beef, corn and soybean)at any rate it is good that you are thinking of the possibilities-but do not worry yourself too much...

Our Dr. told us that it was very important to wait until our son was 2 to give him PB. It's so hard because it seems so easy but she asks and reminds us everytime we're in the office for a visit. All my friends give their kids under 2 PB and they're all fine. Ask your doc. and remember that you have alternatives like soybutter and almond butter.

I believe you are suppossed to wait until he is 2 for peanuts and for honey too.

I've heard pediatrician's recommend waiting until they are 2 or 3 to even try it. As a mom to a child with dairy, egg, and peanut allergies, I would lean towards waiting to be safe. Neither my husband nor myself have any food allergies, either...but obviously that isn't the case for our child.

When you do decide to let him try it, make it a day that you are at home and can monitor his reaction. Don't do it before nap (you want to be able to watch him for a couple hours) and take note of anything out of the ordinary. Obviously have Benadryl on hand....and a vehicle, just in case you need to take him in. Really, I'm not going overboard - I just know how severe reactions can be. If he coughs, loses his voice or starts swelling, take immediate action. A chapped look around his mouth, hives, itching, vomiting....all can be signs of a food allergy. Some reactions don't occur immediately - you want to have a good couple hours to monitor him. Also, keep his other food/drinks the same as what he's already had and is used to (things he's obviously not had any reaction to).

I'd recommend talking to your pediatrician to know what their recommendation is, and what steps to take for what reactions. Hopefully your son has no problems at all!

I wouldn't attempt it unless you have epinephrine pens nearby. Anyphalactic shock is random and deadly. It could happen first time or third time. Talk to your pediatrician. I understand they're doing trials with a physicians onsite. Good luck!

Our little boy ate pb when he was just over 12 months old and had a bad reaction to it. My husband and I have no family history of any food allergies, but evidently that is not how it works. If you have allergies of any kind (cat, dog, seasonal, penicillin, etc... which both my husband and I do have some) your children are more prone to having allergies but not necessarily the same kind that you have. In any case, our son is now 3 and allergic to peanuts, all nuts, cats and dust mites. Our Dr. said the new guidelines are to wait until 2 yrs old to try pb, but then other Drs still say after 1 yr. I guess it is up to you, but the most important thing is to watch closely after giving any new food and I would recommend to keep Children's Benadryl on hand just in case. It could take several times before your child has a reaction and it is very cheap insurance to keep on hand. Good luck!

Hi K.-
My doctor told me it was okay in small amounts to give to my son when he turned a year old and we did and he had a reaction to it. His lips SWELLED and he got uticaria (red bumps/welts) on his chest and arms. We rushed him to the hospital and everything was fine. He went to 3 different specialist and had SEVERAL different tests and now that he is 3 he grew out of his allergy which is common and he eats peanut butter and jelly with no problems, I keep lots of benadryl on hand at all times. Good luck!!

I was afraid like you are. It took until the 4th child before I let one have peanut butter under 2. I would say that if your child has had other food with peanut ingrediants in it then the chances of him being allergic are slim. It's up to you but all my kids love it and I regret holding it back from them for so long.
Peanut allergies makes your tongue and mouth swell, which makes it hard to breath. If you are really concerned I would talk to your pediatrician.

If he's eaten foods with nuts and hasn't had a reaction, go ahead and try some. I'd start with a little dab, maybe on a cracker. Or perhaps YOU should have a PB sandwich and offer him a little. If he doesn't like it, then you finish it as you would've anyway.

Just remember to ask other moms in future if their child has an allergy. You wouldn't want an emergency on your hands.

Hi K. -

My Nephew has a very severe peanut allergy (he cannot even smell it and he reacts). He did actually eat peanut butter a few times before reacting so be very cautious and I think it is a good rule to always have benadryl with you and/or at home. Any food allergy usually takes more than once for your body to develop the antibodies that cause the reaction.

My daughter, now 27 months old, is allergic to all nuts. We found out when she was given a half pistachio to eat. Prior to that, she had been eating peanut butter without any outward signs of a reaction. We did notice her trying to clear her throat quite often. We thought it may have been due to her cold, but looking back, we think it may have been that her throat was swelling and uncomfortable.
I would go ahead and give your son the peanut butter, but look for signs of discomfort in his throat or swelling around his eyes. Make sure you have Benedryl on hand (which would ease the swelling and discomfort should he have any). I don't mean to scare you but if he does have some sort of reaction, give him the Benedryl and go to your local emergancy room.

i think i would feel pretty confident in giving your little one a little taste of peanut butter since he has already had foods with peanut products in them without any problems. i think he is probably old enough. i think allergic reactions would include rashes, particularly around the mouth and/or trouble breathing. at that age i was more concerned about letting my daughter try honey, with her dad and i free of peanut allergies, i felt pretty safe letting her try it, peanut butter seems to be more of a hereditary allergy so you are probably pretty safe.

I suggest you wait until he's 2 years. Peanut butter can be a choking hazard.

I would let him try it, just give him a little bit, like on a half of a piece of bread, and watch for any thing unusual, Symptoms of food allergies can be as different as people are, but common ones are swelling of lips, throat, labored breathing, or shalloe breathing. My daughter was 9 when she started getting horrible migraines for days at a time, we couldnt figure it out, we eliminated different food for a week at a time and we finally after her losing 24 lbs in just over a month, she went from 68 lbs to 44 lbs. We found out she was allergic to nuts. She had eaten them uo to that point and peanut butter was her favorite food. Its bad with her, she cant eat anything with the word "nut" in it, coconuts, nutmeg, etc. But start out small and go from there, like my daughter your son may be older before any allergies pop up, you never know, he may never have one either. My daughter is now a very healthy 13 year old that put all her weight back on, and is where she needs to be for her age, but we love to tease her that no one gets to have peanut butter or anything yummy cuz of her, she loves it tho, she just laughs it off.

K., I gave my kids peanut butter at about that age. I was really careful though I did not put much on and I broke it into small pieces and only gave one piece at a time. We have no family history of nut allergies either. May be just give a couple bites to see how he does.
Take Care, M.