Early Introduction & Prevention
Tiny bites.
Big deal.
Introducing peanut foods to your little one can be simple, easy and fun –– especially with the help of Little Peanut!
Meet Little Peanut
Little Peanut is on a mission to help families prevent peanut allergies.
What to know about early peanut introduction
Early and often are the keys to success. Feeding 2 oz. of baby-safe peanut-containing foods two to three times per week is optimal for risk reduction.
Whole nuts should not be given to children under 5 years of age due to choking risk. Also, do not give peanut butter from a spoon or in lumps/dollops to children under 4 years of age.
Little Peanut Tip
All babies may benefit from eating peanut foods in their first year, not just those with risk factors. It’s important to know the right path for your child, and it’s critical to get started early.
Five Easy Ways to Introduce Peanut Foods
Thin with breast milk, water or formula:
Thin 2 t. of peanut butter with 2-3 t. of breast milk, hot water or formula. Allow to cool before serving.
Mix with food:
Blend 2 t. of peanut butter into 2-3 T. of foods like infant cereal, applesauce, yogurt (if already eating dairy), pureed chicken or tofu.
Mix with produce:
Stir 2 t. of powdered peanut butter into 2 T. of previously tolerated pureed fruits or vegetables.
How do we know it works?
In 2015, the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) Study — followed by LEAP-ON (2016) and LEAP-Trio (2024) — demonstrated that early introduction can reduce the risk of peanut allergy by up to 86% and provide protection from a peanut allergy into adolescence. Based on LEAP, NIAID released Addendum Guidelines in 2017. Today, the practice is encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
Little Peanut Tip
Do not add peanut butter or peanut powder to a bottle. Always spoon-feed the mixture to prevent choking.
The evidence is clear: early peanut introduction can prevent up to 86% of peanut allergies from developing. In human terms, that means tens of thousands of children born each year — and their parents — can live every day free from worry about every bite of food.
Of course, prevention requires action. Fortunately, science-based guidelines, expert-developed tips and a variety of infant-friendly foods and recipes are available to help.
Whether you are a parent of a newborn, healthcare provider or other champion for infant health and nutrition, you have a role to play.
Allergy Videos
Early Introduction & Prevention FAQs
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