Are you a new parent with concerns about introducing nuts to your baby? You’re not alone! The introduction of allergenic foods like peanuts, tree nuts, and soy can be daunting for many parents. With conflicting advice and myths around allergies rampant in popular culture, it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is.
Let's break down all the nutty details below:
Why Wait To Introduce Nuts?
Traditionally, pediatricians have recommended delaying the introduction of common food allergens until after one year of age for babies without eczema or family history of food allergies.
However, recent research suggests that delayed introduction may actually increase the likelihood of developing an allergy. So don't delay - let's get those nut seeds cracking!
Start Small & Go Slow
Your best bet when first introducing your baby to nuts (or any solid food!) is starting with small amounts and monitoring them closely for reactions. Try serving less than 1 tsp at a time.
It’s also essential that they are READY for solid foods—this means being able to hold their heads up while sitting supported, open their mouths fully, move solids from front-of-mouth-to-back for swallowing (known as 'tongue-thrusting'), and sit upright while eating
Remember; introduce only one new food or texture – every other day so if they develop symptoms within 24 hours you’ll know which culprit caused it!
Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction
I'm sure just thinking about it gives every parent goosebumps but here are some things you should look out:
- Hives
- Swelling
- Vomiting/nausea
- Diarrhea/abdominal cramping
- Coughing/wheezing/trouble breathing
Symptoms usually appear rapidly — anywhere between seconds after eating to an hour after. In severe cases, make no mistakes reach out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Make sure you call 911 for immediate medical attention if your baby shows any symptoms of anaphylaxis.
What Kind Of Nuts Are Safe For Babies?
Not all nuts are created equal when it comes to allergies:
Low-Risk Nuts
While peanuts top the list of allergenic foods and have hogged media coverage worldwide, but research suggests that consuming them can prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants- so forget what the headlines say at grocery checkout tills and listen up!
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
These low-risk nuts offer unique health benefits such as essential fatty acids, omega 3's & protein which will fuel your tiny tots with energy -and give their taste buds some stimulation too!
High-Risk Nuts
Before we talk about high-risk nuts know this: Unless there is significant family history or incidence of tree nut allergy in your household do NOT avoid introducing these key nutrient-dense food groups!
Tree-nut allergies are much less common than peanut allergies—only around 1% of American children under age 5 have a diagnosed tree nut allergy.
So don't let the numbers fool you into avoiding tree nuts unless explicitly advised otherwise by your doctor
Here's a quick list of 'High Risk' nuts:
Almonds
Brazil nut
Pine nut
Chestnut
Macadamia Nut
Pistachios
That said? Feel free to experiment along with general dietary recommendations– Puréeing roasted almonds while making homemade cereal from sprouted quinoa makes great nutrition-packed combinations – become more adventurous and enjoy yummy flavours like ground brazilian cashews on puree'd bananas! YUM!
How To Prepare Nuts For Your Baby
Steer clear of giving your little ones salts, sugar, spices or yoga whilst starting them on solids. For nuts- opt for the unsalted and unflavored particularly if buying commercially available varieties.
Now let's get cracking (ha ha) with some serving suggestions!
Purée Safe Nut Butters
It’s best to start off by introducing nut butters rather than whole nuts they can be combined with various fruits &veggies as a base! Here are some soft textures that you should consider:
- Almond Butter
- Cashew Butter
Both these types have almost smoothie like-constancy which makes them perfect for a baby who is just starting out on solids.
Peek in through the labels of store brands even homemade ones should be labelled allergen-friendly. An ideal label would read - No Added Sugars Or Salt!
If you've frequently watched cooking shows while rocking your babe-to-sleep chances are high that you know how to make peanut butter at home! A word of advice? Make sure it is ground SUPER finely before feeding / pureeing it up so there isn't any choking hazards when consuming!
Nuts Powders To Add Texture & Taste:
Yes, Gone are those days when only banana/catfish was enough to blend into being excited...nearly every #foodbloggers working overtime spend HOURS over mixing blending powders/fruit pulps/nut powders...But here we're talking about nut powders here specifically; additional flavor and texture from is far superior compared other pulsating mixes.
They work well especially first 4 ingredients listed above check out different ways to introduce their goodness:
- Heap spoon full almond powder stirred gently milk/yoghurt
- Sprinkle slivered almonds around the tops pizza slices or purée'd sweet potato!
- Add hazelnuts or pistachios to cereal/baby oatmeal porridge for nutrient variety!
- Dust slices of bananas or apple with peanut butter powder while making mini sandwiches!
Nuts On Their Own:
Small infants should not eat whole nuts, as they pose a choking hazard.
Cutting soft nuts like cashews and peanuts into very small pieces can be another way to introduce them into your little one's diet.
However, we do not recommend giving whole almonds, pecans, hazelnuts or chestnuts until much later down the road – around 3-4 years of age sounds about right!
Conclusion
In summary? When it comes to introducing solid foods containing tree nuts/peanuts/grains/fish-- easing our fussy eater-selves over healthy sensory experiences is key! Start LOW and slow - pick up cues from their reactions: You don't want to make nutritious food no longer palatable for growing babes by forcing new tastes too quickly.
By following the safe starting tips outlined above you're sure your little ones will develop healthy relationship with different types of exciting flavors and textures! So go ahead; nut it up !