It's Official: Feeding Babies Peanuts Is Preventing Allergies

If your little one has moved on to solid foods, you've probably heard the "no peanut butter until age three" warning more times than you can count. And yes, the concern is valid, especially since, according to data from Food Allergy Canada, over 600,000 Canadian children self-report having at least one food allergy, and peanut allergies affect about two in every 100 kids in Canada.

But guess what? It's time to toss that outdated advice. Fresh studies now suggest that you should be giving peanuts to your baby way earlier as part of emerging peanut allergy prevention strategies.

So, why the shift? A groundbreaking 2024 Pediatrics study analyzed medical records from more than 120,000 U.S. infants and toddlers and found that peanut allergy rates are dropping, thanks to updated feeding practices. That means early introduction isn’t just a hopeful theory anymore; it's a game-changing strategy to prevent allergies before they even show up.

And that's not all: a brand new 2025 study in Pediatrics builds on that research, offering even more proof that earlier introduction is key to reducing food allergy rates. Curious about what researchers found? Keep reading, because we're breaking down the latest findings (spoiler alert: very exciting), what they mean for your family, and expert-backed ways to safely introduce peanuts into your little one's diet.

What the 2025 study found

We won't keep you in suspense: the results from the October 2025 study in Pediatrics are too good to ignore. Researchers found that introducing allergenic foods to children under three has a measurable impact on preventing food allergies.

The findings are impressive. Infants introduced to peanuts and other common allergens between four to six months old saw a sharp decline in allergies.  For kids born in 2015 to 2017, peanut allergies dropped by 27 percent; for those born 2017 to 2019, the drop was even higher at 43 percent compared to children born in 2015. Earlier studies hinted at reductions up to 40 percent, but this new research confirms the trend on a larger scale.

Even though the study is focused on U.S. children, its findings align with similar recommendations in Canada and beyond. For Catherine Jaxon, parent of three (one with a nut allergy) and co-founder of Mission MightyMe, a company dedicated to ending the food allergy epidemic, the results are particularly heartening. "This study confirms that food allergy prevention strategies work in the real world," she tells Today's Parent. "It’s exciting news for parents and a big win for public health. For years, parents were advised to avoid peanuts, which unintentionally contributed to the rise in nut allergies."

Dr. Alice Hoyt, chief Allergist at Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy, agrees. "This is the first large-scale, real-world application of the LEAP Study guidelines, and it shows early introduction really works," she says. "Seeing such a significant drop in peanut allergies and food allergies, so soon after the guidelines changed, is a huge public health win. With more awareness among parents and pediatricians following the guidelines, this simple intervention can transform children's health."

What was the advice before this study came out?

Before the 2025 Pediatrics study, advice on introducing allergens to babies had already done a 180. Pre-2015, parents were typically told to hold off on high-risk foods like peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and fish until their child was three.

Then came the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) study, and everything changed. "The groundbreaking 2015 LEAP study proved that introducing peanuts to babies early and consistently is one of the most effective ways to reduce allergy risk," says Jaxon. "It transformed infant feeding practices worldwide."

These results pushed major medical organizations to act. Hoyt explains that the 2015 LEAP findings led to interim guidelines, which were expanded in 2017: high-risk babies could start peanut foods as early as four to six months. She continues, "By 2021, guidelines went even further, encouraging all infants—regardless of risk—to try peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and other major allergens early."

But even with updated guidance, many parents and pediatricians are still in the dark. "Surveys found that only a third of pediatricians were fully on board," Jaxon notes. "There's still a long road ahead in spreading this critical information."

How Canadian guidelines align

While the U.S. food allergy guidelines have been slowly catching up, early peanut feeding in Canada has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to food allergy prevention. Both the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) recommend introducing peanut-containing foods for babies as early as six months, but not before four.

To keep things safe, Canadian guidelines suggest offering peanuts in appropriate forms, like smooth peanut butter stirred into purees or peanut powder. Skip whole peanuts—they're a serious choking risk for little ones.

For babies with higher allergy risks, such as severe eczema or a known egg allergy, it's best to check in with a doctor or allergist before trying peanuts or other allergens. That way, parents can get expert guidance and can introduce new foods safely.

Why this shift matters

This update to allergy guidelines isn't just a tweak; it's a game-changer. Dr. Tracy Pit, board-certified allergist based in Toronto, tells Today's Parent, "The old advice to delay introducing peanuts is outdated and has actually contributed to higher allergy rates. The recent LEAP study, led by Dr. Lack,  found that high-risk infants introduced to peanuts early— and eating them regularly— had significantly lower rates of peanut allergies."

Early introduction makes a real difference. Pit explains that offering peanuts sooner gives parents a proactive, evidence-based way to lower the risk of baby food allergies and other allergic conditions. "This approach applies to other allergens too, such as tree nuts, fish, egg, milk, sesame seed, and soy," she adds.

Even with clear evidence, many parents hesitate. "The guidance is only as helpful if parents feel confident following it," Pit says. "Yet many are still afraid to introduce allergens, especially if their child has never been exposed before or if older siblings have allergies." She reassures parents that these guidelines are grounded in solid science and that early exposure can be a safe, effective way to protect their kids."

How to Safely Introduce Peanuts

Wait until your little one is developmentally ready for peanuts

To safely introduce your child to peanuts, Dr. Christopher Parrish, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, FAAP, who is triple board-certified in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine, says it's best to wait until your child is at least six months old.

"This is when they are developmentally ready for solids," Parrish explains. "As a food allergist, I absolutely recommend that all families introduce the top nine allergens, especially peanuts, to their infants starting between four to six months of age. The allergens most commonly eaten in the home are the most important to introduce and maintain in the diet moving forward. The exact timing of early introduction depends on when your infant becomes developmentally ready for solids during this period."

Introduce allergenic foods one bite at a time

Parrish emphasizes that it's important for parents to introduce all of the top nine most common allergens, including peanuts, into a baby's diet. Once an allergen has been introduced successfully, he notes, it should be offered a few times per week to help maintain tolerance and protection.

To do this, he recommends starting small. "You can begin by mixing a little peanut butter or peanut powder into breastmilk, formula, or a puree," Parrish explains. "Avoid unmixed peanut butter or whole peanuts because of the choking hazard. Over time, gradually increase the amount of food you give your baby. In the landmark study that demonstrated the benefits of early peanut introduction, infants were given the equivalent of two teaspoons of peanut butter three times per week."

Try allergenic foods at home so you can spot any true allergies

According to Parrish, it's best to introduce allergenic foods at home, where parents can closely monitor for any signs of a reaction.

"I would point out that some children get mild redness around the mouth where foods touch," he cautions. "These are usually irritant reactions and not often indicators of a true allergic reaction. If your child has sensitive skin, you may consider applying a barrier ointment, such as Vaseline, around the mouth before feeding to prevent direct contact with the allergen."

When true allergic reactions do occur, Parrish says are almost always mild at this age. "The most common symptoms to watch out for in young children are hives on the skin and vomiting."

Always be consistent and proactive

To build protection, Parrish suggests that babies need consistent exposure to peanuts and other food allergens, ideally several times a week. "One-time introductions are unlikely to be effective," he points out.

Echoing this point, Jaxon emphasizes, "A common misconception is that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts only requires a single taste. In reality, consistent exposure is essential to train the immune system. Babies need repeated, regular introduction so their bodies learn that these foods are safe and should remain part of their diet."

This consistency also requires an adequate amount of the allergen. Hoyt explains, "Babies need to consume enough of the food. A tiny taste won't do enough in most cases. In the groundbreaking LEAP Study, infants consumed about six grams of peanut protein weekly, which is the equivalent of about 23 peanuts."

Even with repeated exposure and sufficient amounts, Parrish cautions that early introduction is not always 100% effective. "Even when parents are doing everything right, a child may still develop an allergy," he notes, underscoring the importance of realistic expectations.

Still, there is good news. Parrish reassures parents that a food allergy diagnosis is not the end of the road. "There are effective food allergy treatments available today,  and a diagnosis does not necessarily mean avoidance of the allergen for life," he says. "If we start treatment early, such as oral immunotherapy (OIT), it may even allow children to grow up without ever remembering that they were once allergic."

The bottom line

Thanks to the latest study in Prevention, parents can feel empowered to introduce peanuts and other allergenic foods to their children at an early, developmentally appropriate age.

"Early introduction trains the immune system to recognize allergenic foods as safe, making a significant impact on preventing allergies," explains Jaxon. "It doesn't guarantee that a child won't develop an allergy, but the benefit is clear. This study shows that parents really can make a difference."

Jaxon also reminds parents not to feel guilty about following older guidelines. "Parental guilt is real—but it’s important to remember that past advice was given with the best intentions," she says. "No parent intentionally put their child at risk; they just followed the guidelines that existed at the time. Understanding this helps parents move on without fear."

Raising awareness about the updated guidelines is the next step. Jaxon notes, "Even though more parents and pediatricians are learning about these changes, surveys show that many still don't follow the new advice. This study gives us a reason to change our habits, but it will take time to undo years of outdated guidance."

Practical changes also remain, like the fact that many grocery stores still have few allergen-friendly options. "That’s why we created Mission MightyMe, with products like Nut Butter Puffs to safely introduce nuts to babies," Jaxon points out. "Introducing allergenic foods regularly is important, but parents also need safe, healthy options. Many of these foods are also full of important nutrients, so children benefit in more ways than one."

While there is still work to be done, Jaxon hopes that new research will help parents feel more confident and better equipped to prevent allergies in their children. "With early exposure, consistent habits, and the right guidance, parents can take meaningful steps to help protect their children from allergies—and feel better doing it."

Experts

• Catherine Jaxon is the co-founder of Mission MightyMe, a company dedicated to ending the food allergy epidemic.
• Dr. Alice Hoyt is the Chief Allergist at Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy.
• Dr. Tracy Pit, MD, is a board-certified Allergist based in Toronto.
• Dr. Christopher Parrish, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, FAAP, is board-certified in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine.