Peanut allergies in U.S. babies have dropped — here’s how early introduction is helping (and how to try it safely)

For years, parents were told to wait, to hold off on peanut butter until toddlerhood, fearing a single spoonful might spark a dangerous reaction. Now, new research is flipping that guidance on its head.

A large U.S. study of more than 125,000 children found that early introduction of allergenic foods is helping babies build tolerance, and it’s changing the numbers in a big way. Food allergies overall have dropped 36%, and peanut allergies specifically are down 43%, according to new data published in Pediatrics.

That drop represents thousands of children who may never experience a life-threatening reaction, and thousands of parents who can finally breathe a little easier at mealtime.

It’s one of the most hopeful shifts in infant health in decades. For parents, it offers something rare in the world of food allergies: clear, evidence-based steps that can help reduce risk, without adding fear to mealtime. Here’s how experts recommend starting, and how to keep it calm, simple, and safe at home.

Related: A new study just changed how we manage peanut allergies in kids

How to introduce peanuts safely

The idea of giving peanuts to your baby for the first time can feel nerve-wracking—but it doesn’t have to be. The goal isn’t to rush; it’s to help your little one’s immune system learn calm confidence around food.

When to start:

Once your baby is around 4–6 months old and shows signs of being ready for solids—like good head and neck control, interest in food, and the ability to sit with support—it may be time to introduce small amounts of peanut-containing foods.

How to serve peanuts:

• Stir, don’t scoop. Mix a pea-sized amount of smooth peanut butter with warm water, breast milk, or formula until it’s thinned out. Then blend it into oatmeal, yogurt, or a favorite puree.
• Try peanut powder. Add a pinch to fruit or veggie purees for an easy first taste.
• Offer peanut puffs. For older babies or those ready for finger foods, peanut puffs (like Bamba) can be softened with water or breast milk.
• Avoid choking hazards. Never offer whole peanuts or thick globs of peanut butter, they’re too sticky and can block airways. Thin and smooth is safest.

Frequency: Offer small amounts a couple of times per week to help your baby’s immune system learn tolerance.

High-risk babies: Infants with severe eczema or a known egg allergy should consult a pediatrician or allergist before introducing peanuts, and sometimes feeds are done in-office.

Watch for reactions: Hives, vomiting, coughing, wheezing, or swelling require immediate medical attention.

Related: 5 Ways to Keep Your Child with Severe Allergies Safe at School

How early, informed peanut introduction can protect your baby

While the study can’t prove causation, it aligns with what research over the past decade has suggested: early exposure to allergenic foods can help train the immune system and may reduce the risk of food allergies. 

For parents, the key takeaway is clear: starting small, safe introductions under guidance, and staying observant can make a real difference.

A 2023 survey published in Pediatrics found that only 17.2% of caregivers introduced peanut-containing foods to their infants before 7 months of age. Additionally, many pediatric visits do not routinely cover early allergen introduction, highlighting a gap in awareness and guidance. That means families often miss out on clear, reassuring conversations during a key window for prevention.

These findings underscore the importance of educating parents and caregivers about the benefits and safety of early allergen introduction—so no one has to navigate this alone.

For parents navigating solids, mealtime can feel stressful, but these new insights offer a reassuring message: with careful, informed steps, it’s possible to protect your baby from future allergies while keeping feeding safe, simple, and worry-free.

A new chapter for parents and babies

Every generation of parents learns something new, and sometimes that knowledge changes everything. For decades, families avoided peanuts out of love and caution. Now, research shows that gentle, early exposure can help protect the very children parents once feared to harm.

At the heart of every spoonful is the same intention: to keep our little ones safe, nourished, and thriving. And now, parents can do that with a little more confidence and a little less fear.

Source:

1. American Academy of Pediatric. 2024. “Open-Label Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Durability of Peanut Sublingual Immunotherapy in Peanut-Allergic Children.”
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. “Early Peanut Introduction Awareness, Beliefs, and Practices Among Parents and Caregivers.”