Peanut for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Peanut?

Most babies can start Peanut from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Whole peanuts are a high choking hazard and should not be offered to babies or young toddlers. Thick spoonfuls of peanut butter can also stick in the mouth and throat. Serve peanut only in safe forms, such as smooth peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt, peanut powder stirred into purées or oatmeal, or a very thin layer spread on toast fingers for older babies.

Q: Is Peanut a choking hazard?

Peanut is rated High choking risk. Whole peanuts are a high choking hazard and should not be offered to babies or young toddlers. Thick spoonfuls of peanut butter can also stick in the mouth and throat. Serve peanut only in safe forms, such as smooth peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt, peanut powder stirred into purées or oatmeal, or a very thin layer spread on toast fingers for older babies.

Q: Is Peanut a common allergen?

Peanut is a major allergen. Introduce peanut in an age-appropriate form, such as smooth peanut butter thinned into a soft texture or peanut powder mixed into familiar food, and watch closely after the first few exposures. Early and regular introduction in infancy may help reduce allergy risk. If your baby has severe eczema, an existing food allergy, or has reacted to peanut before, speak with your pediatric clinician before introducing.

About Peanut

Peanut is a nutrient-dense legume that can be a valuable food for babies and toddlers when served safely. It provides concentrated energy, healthy fats, and plant protein, but it must never be offered in forms that increase choking risk, such as whole peanuts or thick spoonfuls of peanut butter. Peanuts are rich in unsaturated fats for growth, protein for building tissues, and folate for healthy cell development. They also provide iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E, and fiber, making them a filling food that can add nutrition to meals and snacks. Because peanuts are calorie-dense, even small amounts can contribute meaningful nutrition. Peanut is a common allergen, and reactions can sometimes be severe. Current pediatric guidance supports introducing peanut in infancy, often around 6 months when a baby is developmentally ready for solids, because early introduction may help reduce the risk of peanut allergy. Babies with severe eczema, existing food allergy, or a strong family concern may need individualized guidance from their clinician before introduction. Most babies can start peanut from 6 months old in a safe texture, such as smooth peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt, or peanut powder mixed into soft foods. As your child grows, you can offer a thin spread on toast fingers or mix peanut into oatmeal and yogurt. Whole peanuts should be avoided for young children, and thick globs of nut butter should never be served.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Smooth peanut butter thinned well or peanut powder mixed into soft food

Mix a small amount of smooth peanut butter with warm water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt until it is thin and soft, not sticky. You can also stir peanut powder into purée or oatmeal. Start with a small amount and watch for any reaction.

9+ months

Thinned peanut butter in oatmeal, yogurt, or a thin layer on toast fingers

Once your baby is managing textured foods well, mix thinned peanut butter into oatmeal, yogurt, or mashed fruit, or spread a very thin layer on toast fingers. Avoid thick globs and continue close supervision.

12+ months

Peanut mixed into foods or a thin spread on bread, toast, or crackers

Offer peanut regularly by mixing it into meals or spreading a thin layer of smooth peanut butter on soft bread or toast. Encourage small bites and provide water with meals.

18+ months

Thin spread of smooth or small amounts of chunky peanut butter in foods

Toddlers who chew well can have a thin spread of smooth peanut butter or small amounts of chunky peanut butter spread thinly on toast or sandwiches. Continue to avoid thick spoonfuls and supervise closely.

24+ months

Peanut in mixed foods; whole peanuts still avoided

Offer peanut in thin spreads, sauces, or mixed foods. Whole peanuts remain a choking hazard for young children and should still be avoided unless your child is older and an experienced chewer.

Pairs well with

OatmealPlain full-fat yogurtMashed bananaApple sauceWhole grain toast fingersSweet potato mashStrawberries for older babies already tolerating them

A note on ages

These age ranges are general guidelines. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child's readiness signs and consult your pediatrician.

Safety & allergens

Choking riskHigh

Whole peanuts are a high choking hazard and should not be offered to babies or young toddlers. Thick spoonfuls of peanut butter can also stick in the mouth and throat. Serve peanut only in safe forms, such as smooth peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt, peanut powder stirred into purées or oatmeal, or a very thin layer spread on toast fingers for older babies.

What to watch for

Hives or rashSwelling of lips, face, or tongueVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathingPale skin, sleepiness, or sudden limpness

Safety checklist

Never offer whole peanuts to babies or young toddlers

Do not serve thick spoonfuls of peanut butter

Thin smooth peanut butter to a soft, easy-to-swallow texture

Mix peanut powder or peanut butter into familiar foods

Offer only while baby is sitting upright

Supervise closely during every meal and snack

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store opened peanut butter tightly sealed in a cool, dry pantry if shelf-stable, or refrigerate if the label recommends it. Prepared peanut mixtures or foods mixed with peanut butter should be refrigerated in an airtight container and used within 3-5 days.

ⓘ

Freeze peanut-containing purées, oatmeal, or yogurt mixtures in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Provides healthy fats to support growth and brain development
Rich in plant protein for building tissues
Contains folate for healthy cell growth
Offers iron and zinc to support development
High in fiber for fullness and digestive health

A major allergen that can cause severe reactions
Whole peanuts and thick peanut butter are choking hazards
High in calories, so portions should stay age-appropriate
Not a significant source of vitamin C or vitamin A

Key nutrients

Healthy fats

Support growth and brain development

Protein

Helps build and repair body tissues

Folate

Supports healthy cell growth and development

Nutrition facts

Calories	522kcal
Protein	15.5g
Carbs	47.4g
Fat	33.7g
Fiber	4.1g
Sugar	42.2g
Iron	1.0mg
Calcium	78.0mg
Potassium	407mg
Folate	75µg
Zinc	3.94mg

per 100 g

In season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Peanut?

Most babies can start Peanut from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Whole peanuts are a high choking hazard and should not be offered to babies or young toddlers. Thick spoonfuls of peanut butter can also stick in the mouth and throat. Serve peanut only in safe forms, such as smooth peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt, peanut powder stirred into purées or oatmeal, or a very thin layer spread on toast fingers for older babies.

Is Peanut a choking hazard?

Peanut is rated High choking risk. Whole peanuts are a high choking hazard and should not be offered to babies or young toddlers. Thick spoonfuls of peanut butter can also stick in the mouth and throat. Serve peanut only in safe forms, such as smooth peanut butter thinned with water, breast milk, formula, or yogurt, peanut powder stirred into purées or oatmeal, or a very thin layer spread on toast fingers for older babies.

Is Peanut a common allergen?

Peanut is a major allergen. Introduce peanut in an age-appropriate form, such as smooth peanut butter thinned into a soft texture or peanut powder mixed into familiar food, and watch closely after the first few exposures. Early and regular introduction in infancy may help reduce allergy risk. If your baby has severe eczema, an existing food allergy, or has reacted to peanut before, speak with your pediatric clinician before introducing.