When it comes to early peanut introduction, the practice of giving peanut-containing foods to infants as young as 4 to 6 months to reduce allergy risk. Also known as peanut allergy prevention, it’s no longer a controversial idea—it’s the standard recommended by pediatric groups worldwide. Back in 2015, the landmark LEAP study changed everything. Researchers found that babies at high risk for peanut allergy who ate peanut products regularly before age 1 were 80% less likely to develop the allergy by age 5. That’s not a small shift. It’s a full reversal of decades of advice that told parents to avoid peanuts until age 3 or older.
This change didn’t come from guesswork. It came from hard data. The same study showed that for babies with severe eczema or egg allergy—groups at the highest risk—delaying peanut exposure actually increased the chance of developing an allergy. Today, doctors don’t just say "wait." They say: early peanut introduction is safe, effective, and often life-changing. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. If your baby has eczema, a family history of allergies, or already reacts to other foods, talk to your pediatrician first. They might recommend allergy testing before you start. For most healthy babies, though, you can begin by mixing a small amount of peanut butter into pureed food or using specially designed peanut puffs. Start with a tiny amount—about 2 grams of peanut protein, three times a week—and watch for any signs of a reaction: hives, vomiting, swelling, or trouble breathing. Most reactions happen within minutes, so stay close during that first few feedings.
The science doesn’t stop at peanuts. The same principle now applies to eggs, milk, and other common allergens. Introducing these foods early and often, while still breastfeeding, helps train the immune system to tolerate them instead of fighting them. It’s not about forcing big portions. It’s about consistent, small exposures over time. You don’t need special supplements. You don’t need expensive tests. Just regular food, given the right way, at the right time.
That’s why the posts below cover everything from how to safely introduce peanuts to babies with eczema, to what to do if your child has a reaction, to how other food allergies connect to this early exposure strategy. You’ll find real, practical advice from parents and doctors who’ve seen the results firsthand. No fluff. No fear. Just what works.
Learn how early peanut introduction can reduce allergy risk by up to 98%. Discover the latest guidelines, safe methods, and what to avoid for babies at all risk levels.