A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brings welcome news for parents: peanut allergies in young children are significantly declining, and it’s linked to introducing peanut products earlier in infancy.
The research, published in Pediatrics, reviewed health records from nearly 125,000 children nationwide. After the AAP began recommending early peanut introduction, allergy rates in infants dropped by 33 percent. After updated guidelines went out, the rate dropped even further, a 43 percent decrease overall.
For families, this means one thing: early exposure is working.
Why Early Peanut Introduction Matters
For many years, parents were told to avoid peanut products in infancy. That changed in 2015 after a landmark study known as the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) Trial showed that early, regular exposure to peanut protein could train a baby’s immune system to tolerate and not fear the allergen.
The new AAP findings confirm the LEAP Trial’s results on a larger scale.
Parents of infants with eczema or a family history of allergies may feel nervous about trying peanuts early. But research continues to show:
- Early introduction is safe for most infants
- Severe allergic reactions are uncommon on the first exposure to food in infants
- Regular exposure can help the immune system develop tolerance
How to Safely Introduce Peanuts
Parents often worry about how to start, but the good news is: small, early exposures have been shown to be both effective and safe. Pediatricians recommend introducing peanut products between 4 and 6 months, once your baby shows signs of readiness for solid foods (good head control and interest in food).
Kathryn Spencer, MD, and Sandhya Mani, MD, pediatric allergy and immunology specialists with FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, offer a few guidelines:
- Use smooth peanut butter, thinned with water or breastmilk, peanut flour mixed in purees, or puffs made with peanut protein, such as Bamba puffs
- Offer a small amount, aiming for 2 grams of peanut protein per serving
- Aim for regular exposure, ideally 3 times a week
- Never give whole peanuts or thick globs of peanut butter, which can be choking hazards
Early reactions in very young babies are less common than in older children who have never been exposed to a certain food, but always talk with your pediatrician if you have concerns, especially if your child has severe eczema or known food allergies.
What About Other Allergies?
The AAP now recommends similar early introductions for all major food allergens, including eggs, dairy, wheat, soy and sesame. Small, safe, age-appropriate tastes, not avoidance, may help reduce allergies over time.
Early exposure doesn’t eliminate every allergy risk, but it can significantly reduce the chance of developing peanut allergies and may help build tolerance to other common allergens. Your pediatrician can help you make a plan that feels safe, appropriate and right for your family.
A relationship with your pediatrician can help you navigate food introductions, identify risks and support your child’s health every step of the way.
- Find a pediatric provider in Baton Rouge.
- Find a pediatric provider in Acadiana.
- Find a pediatric provider in Greater Jackson.
- Find a pediatric provider in Northeast Louisiana.
- Find a pediatric provider in Bogalusa.
