what age can you introduce peanut butter?

[anniedooday]

I could've swore with my first one they say wait until 2 now with my second approching 2 I called to check and they told me to wait untill 3. I use soynut butter now for her and regular for everyone else. I was looking forward to stopping just because it is so much more expensive. And I know my husband has given her regular     Do doctors say that just so we don't hold them responsible? Or is there a real reason. I guess I am wondering what other peoples doctors say.

[Spectra]

I just saw the Pediatric Dietitian yesterday and she says they moved the age to 3 now, yup   The dietitian said it is because a lot more cases of peanut allergy are coming out, so they moved it back another year to see if it helps prevent more allergies from arising.

[aisling]

Not sure of your family allergy history, but hope this link helps.

http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=129329.0

[anniedooday]

so does it actually prevent kids from having an allergic reaction waiting longer or is it just so they are older when they have the reaction because peanut reactions tend to be so severe? My first one at 11 mo had a pretty bad reaction to cows milk when we put some in with her breast milk. Hives from head to toe it was pretty scary. And everytime after that ANYTHING with the SMALLEST amount of cows milk in the ingredients made her start breaking out. And she had had some of those same things only weeks before, like ravioli or even some crackers. Then one month before her 3rd b-day we had her tested and she was clear. two years exactly!! The body is a weird and amazing thing!

[Spectra]

From what I've heard about it it is to prevent them from ever getting the allergy.  I'm not exactly sure why or how that works though.

[aisling]

http://www.drgreene.com/21_1154.html

http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/nut_allergy.html

HTH

[anniedooday]

It's so scary to think about how fast and deadly a peanut could be! You'd almost think they would out law peanuts.

[lilmonkey]

There's really no need to introduce peanut butter.  Our dr says that most chirldren are on peanut butter because that's one source of protein they are getting as they are picky eaters.  I was thinking of getting dd and ds to like peanut butter but they both don't like the taste.  Also it may turn out to be a good thing as most schools ban peanut butter in the lunch room. 

[anniedooday]

 That's exactly what I have a picky eater Who eats hardly no meat at all. so eggs and soynut butter is about the only place she gets protein. sometimes hotdogs and sometimes bologna. I even tried the chiken that looks like bologna she looked at it and then handed it back.

[lilmonkey]

Milk, cheese, yogurt, or protein smoothies are great alternatives.  My niece was not a meat eater when she was little so sil end up giving protein smoothies and lots of cheese.  Also have you checked out the Recipe board?  There are some great recipes that hides the meat.  There are a couple of moms who are vegetarians here.  Maybe ask them for some meal idea? 

[Mydreamcametrue]

My son ate PB fine at age 2.  Before that though he got diarrhea from it and we gave SunButter.  It is made from sunflower seeds and was not more expensive at all.

If your hubby has already given it to her, then I would think she would be fine.

I know what it is like with a picky eater, so you have to give what you can.  

Personally I would use and all Natural PB (if she will eat it), can mix honey in it to sweeten it.  

The regular PB have hydrogenated oils in it.

[clh]

Our dr said 2, which we did with J and will do with Isaac.  I've had several mild food allergies, although nothing severe to nuts of any form.  I am a bit paranoid with it, so I'll do as I'm told.    

Anyway, when Isaac wants what brother is having, I've given him almond or cashew butter.  That might be an option, although it's just as much hassle (to do something different) and I don't know how expense compares to soy.    

Posted with pp:  J has moved to natural PB, too.  I'm trying to move away from hydrogenated oils.

[Bryony]

we started it at around 8 months - Katie loves it and it's about the only protein she eats!  I have to say, it never occurrred to me not to give it to her - hope that doesn't make me a bad parent...!
 
Here in the UK you dont' see a doctor about your child unless they are ill (which mine never is, thankfully) so I have no idea what our doctor would say.

[lilmonkey]

I have to say, it never occurrred to me not to give it to her - hope that doesn't make me a bad parent...!
 

Bryony, you're not a bad mom for giving pb.  It would make meals on the go a lot simplier if dd and ds like pb.  I personally like pb and jelly sandwiches.  lol I think that when you have a picky eater, you have to do what you have to do.  It's too much of a battle to make EVERY meal healthy and wholesome, kwim?

[anniedooday]

Thanks, I think I will try out the recipe boards. I didn't even consider that milk( and we use soymilk) cheese and yogurt was enough protein.

[speechie]

Just cautiously gave it to my 12 month old son. No problems, thank goodness!