Wondering when babies can start eating peanut butter? Here’s everything you need to know to safely introduce this common allergen to your little one.

Are you thinking of adding peanut butter to your baby’s menu soon or later? It’s a smart idea, but figuring out exactly when—and how—to offer it can raise many questions.

This is especially true if you’re attempting baby-led weaning (an approach that introduces solids in the form of soft, chewable foods) instead of spoon-fed purees. The good news is that there are many simple and safe ways to serve this sticky food, no matter what your feeding approach is. Here’s what you need to know.

When Can Babies Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanuts are a common—and often severe—food allergen, so peanut butter shouldn’t be the first food on your new eater’s menu. However, you also don’t want to wait too long before introducing it.

While experts once thought that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods would lower the risk of reactions, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now says there’s no reason to wait. In fact, serving peanut butter earlier rather than later is thought to reduce the likelihood of allergy in babies who are considered at high risk (specifically, those with egg allergies and/or severe eczema).

After your pediatrician gives you the green light to start introducing solids (usually around 6 months), and your baby has tolerated several less allergenic foods (like fruits, vegetables, or baby cereals), the doctor will likely allow you to move on to allergenic foods like peanut butter.

Be sure to speak with your pediatrician before introducing peanut butter, especially if your baby has eczema or has had an immediate allergic reaction to another food. If your baby has mild to moderate eczema, your doctor may recommend ensuring they are exposed to peanut butter (or another peanut-based product) around 6 months. If your baby has severe eczema or another existing food allergy, your doctor will likely recommend an evaluation by an allergist before deciding whether to try adding any peanut-based foods to the menu.

When you offer a peanut-based food for the first time, plan to serve it at home or, for toddlers with severe eczema and/or egg allergies, at your pediatrician’s office (rather than at daycare or a restaurant). This will make it easier to keep an eye on them after eating, so you can watch for any potential allergic reactions. You’ll also know exactly which ingredients they ate at mealtime, making it easier to identify peanut butter as the culprit if there’s a problem.

How to Prepare Peanut Butter for Your Baby

After a careful consultation with your doctor, you’re ready to move forward. But while a spoonful of peanut butter might seem like an easy snack, you’ll need to do some extra prep work to make the sticky paste manageable for your baby—especially if you’re using baby-led weaning.

Start by mixing a small amount of peanut butter into another food, or spread a thin layer on toast once your baby has been introduced to bread. Don’t give your little one large chunks of peanut butter or whole peanuts, as both can pose a choking hazard.

Pay attention to the type of peanut butter you’re using as well. Smooth peanut butter is a safer choice than crunchy for babies and toddlers. And forget those old commercials about which brand picky moms choose— the best peanut butter for your baby is a fully natural variety, made without added sodium, sugar, or preservatives.

However, keep in mind that peanut butter isn’t the only way to introduce peanuts to your baby. Peanut butter powder and store-bought peanut butter balls for babies can also do the trick—and your new eater will likely find them just as delicious. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are even products that help parents introduce allergens like peanuts in the form of easy-to-mix powders you add to your baby’s food.

The tips below can help parents determine how to serve peanut butter at different stages, but remember, all babies develop at their own pace. Talk to your pediatrician before starting baby-led weaning and check with them if you have concerns about your child’s oral motor skills, chewing abilities, swallowing skills, or if you’re unsure whether your baby is ready for certain food preparations.

How to Prepare Peanut Butter for a 6-Month-Old Baby

Mix a small amount of peanut butter or peanut powder into another food your baby has already tried, such as baby cereal, sweet potato puree, or yogurt (remember, dairy is also a common allergen). You can let your baby pick up the food with their hands or offer it on a pre-loaded spoon.

Another idea? Dip some peanut butter balls in breast milk or formula. Offer them on a pre-loaded spoon since your baby might not have the fine motor skills to pick them up at this age.

How to Prepare Peanut Butter for a 9-Month-Old Baby

Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on whole grain toast or homemade whole grain pancakes and cut into pieces for your baby to grab and put in their mouth. You can also try adding peanut butter to smoothies or even diluting it with water or milk to make a simple pasta sauce.

How to Prepare Peanut Butter for Toddlers (12 Months or Older)

Most of the serving ideas for babies still work for toddlers, with a few minor adjustments. Now your little one can practice scooping peanut butter yogurt or oatmeal with their own spoon or practicing spearing peanut butter pancakes with their fork. Just be sure to continue offering small amounts of peanut butter, as large chunks or pieces are still a choking risk.

Peanut Butter Recipes for Babies and Toddlers

Peanut butter may be sticky, but incorporating it into a variety of kid-friendly meals and snacks couldn’t be easier. Just remember to always introduce one food at a time, especially when serving dishes with other major allergens like eggs, soy, wheat, dairy, and shellfish.

Here are some tasty ideas to try:

• Bananas with Peanut Butter: Spread a thin layer of smooth peanut butter on banana sticks or slices.
• Peanut Butter Toast with Berries: Spread a thin layer of smooth peanut butter on whole-grain toast and top with lightly mashed raspberries. Cut into strips and serve.
• Peanut Butter Hummus: Substitute peanut butter for tahini in your favorite hummus recipe.
• Easy Peanut Butter Pasta: Dilute peanut butter with warm water (and a bit of lemon juice if desired) to make a sauce for whole-grain pasta.
• Sweet Potato Peanut Soup: Puree roasted sweet potatoes with plenty of coconut milk and one or two tablespoons of peanut butter for a spoonable soup.
• No-Bake Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Mash banana, oats, and peanut butter together and roll into small balls. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

What Are the Benefits of Peanut Butter for Babies and Toddlers?

Peanut butter is a cheap and easy-to-prepare protein source that will help fuel your little one’s rapid growth. It’s also an easy way to help them load up on essential vitamins and minerals like niacin, folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc.

Fun fact: peanut butter can be considered a brain food, thanks to its antioxidants in the form of Vitamin E.

Can Babies Be Allergic to Peanut Butter?

Peanuts are one of the most common food allergens for babies, along with cow’s milk and eggs. This means it’s extremely important to watch for signs of a potential reaction when introducing them. (And consult your pediatrician before introducing peanut butter if your baby is at high risk for an allergy.)

Your baby or toddler may have a food allergy if they show any of the following symptoms immediately or within one or two hours after eating:

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the skin, lips, or tongue
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Tight throat or trouble swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing

If you suspect your baby or toddler is allergic to peanuts, remove peanut butter and any foods containing peanut butter or peanuts from their menu and contact the pediatrician to discuss the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend allergy testing to confirm the diagnosis.

An allergic reaction can be more severe or potentially fatal (called anaphylaxis) if multiple areas of the body are affected. In the rare event that your child shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 immediately.

Can Peanut Butter Cause Choking in Babies?

Chunks of sticky peanut butter are one of the biggest choking hazards for children under 4. Be sure to serve peanut butter safely to your child by diluting or mixing small amounts with other foods (like baby cereals, yogurt, or sweet potato puree) for early eaters, and then continue to offer it in small, manageable amounts for older babies and toddlers, like spread on toast.

Also, always supervise your toddler while they’re eating, seat them upright during meals, and never serve food while they’re lying down, walking, in a car seat, or playing.

Peanut butter may be sticky, but when and how to serve it doesn’t have to be. However, if you have any doubts about offering it, consult your baby’s pediatrician. Together, you can create the right introduction plan for your little one.