Can babies eat peanut butter?
Recommended with care Peanut is a common allergen that guidance encourages introducing early, but thick or sticky peanut butter is a choking hazard and must be thinned before serving.
How to serve peanut butter safely
- Never give thick peanut butter straight from the spoon or in blobs — it is a choking hazard.
- Thin smooth peanut butter with warm water, breast milk, formula, or stir it into porridge or yoghurt.
- Use smooth peanut butter, not crunchy, and one with no added salt or sugar where possible.
- Introduce it on its own first, then watch for any reaction.
Allergen note
Introduce a small amount of thinned smooth peanut butter early, on its own, on a day you can watch your baby. For babies with severe eczema or a known egg allergy, talk to your doctor before introducing peanut.
Age guidance
From around 6 months, thinned, introduced early and one allergen at a time. If your baby has severe eczema or an egg allergy, ask your doctor first.
EU vs US guidance
| Authority | Region | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA | EU | EU guidance supports introducing allergenic foods including peanut from around 6 months rather than delaying them. |
| AAP | US | The AAP references guidance that early introduction of peanut, around 6 months, can reduce the risk of peanut allergy; infants with severe eczema or egg allergy should be assessed first. |
Based on published EFSA, FDA and AAP guidance. Nibbino is not endorsed by or affiliated with these authorities.
Peanut is a case where early introduction genuinely matters — but so does texture. Thin the peanut butter down to a smooth, non-sticky consistency and offer a small amount on its own.
Higher-risk babies (severe eczema or an existing egg allergy) should be assessed by a professional before their first taste of peanut.
Frequently asked questions
Can babies have peanut butter?
Yes, from around 6 months, but it must be thinned. Thick peanut butter is a choking hazard, so mix smooth peanut butter into water, milk, porridge or yoghurt.
Why introduce peanut early?
Evidence shows that introducing peanut around 6 months, rather than delaying it, can lower the chance of a baby developing a peanut allergy.
My baby has eczema — can they have peanut?
Babies with severe eczema or a known egg allergy are at higher risk of peanut allergy. Speak to your pediatrician or allergist before introducing peanut, as they may recommend testing first.
Guidance, not medical advice — always supervise feeding and consult your pediatrician.