Parenting Forums

Posted: 04 January 2006 at 9:43pm | IP Logged

I thought that you couldn't give nuts or nut products to babies.... but my health visitor gave me a leaflet today which says that you can give smooth peanut butter in sarnies..

Is this right??

Posted: 04 January 2006 at 11:01pm | IP Logged

just out of interest what was the leaflet about?

i think you shouldnt give them peanuts if there is a family history of allergies.

Posted: 04 January 2006 at 11:28pm | IP Logged

I was always told to never give peanuts to children under 5 or 8 (cant remember  now) as they can not digest them and nowerdays because of nut allergies??? So once again confused..

HelenC

Posted: 04 January 2006 at 11:39pm | IP Logged

Thats exactly what I thought too!!! The leaflet CALLED "MOVING ONTO FAMILY MEALS BETWEEN 9 AND ONE YEAR" sorry, hit caps lock!!! Its produced by Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic service.

Thing I'm gonna ask the HV next clinic. Its says:

"Finely ground nuts (i.e. smooth peanut or other nut putters eg chocolate nut spread) can be used from 6 months od age. If you baby has known allergies or there is a family history of allergy, then all nuts should be avoided"

Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Sam?!?! Wheres Sam!!!!! WAKE UP SAM!!! I KNOW ITS 20 to MIDNIGHT! LOL!!!

Posted: 05 January 2006 at 8:12am | IP Logged

Interesting reading on the subject from the USA

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/nutrition/peanut_butter_contr oversy.html

Posted: 05 January 2006 at 6:06pm | IP Logged

i wish these 'experts' would all agree on the information and stick to it!

right im getting off my soap box now!!

Posted: 05 January 2006 at 6:25pm | IP Logged

Thanks for that Flip.

I've just read it and as both me and DH have asthma, I think I'll give it a miss....

Posted: 05 January 2006 at 7:53pm | IP Logged

Not sure if you remember or not but I did a thread of Abidec a while ago now that is a childrens vitamin that can be given from 6mnths old it has peanut oil as a carrier oil in it.  Up until the age of 5yrs whole peanuts are a choking hazard so not reccommended hence the smooth spread I am guessing. 

Personally I would avoid any nut product for any child that has asthma, exzema, hayfever or if you have a history of any of those in your family. 

My sister had a cashew nut one christmas when she was 3yrs old.  My Dad gave it to her and within in seconds of her having it in her mouth she couldn't breath.  It is a very frightening experience for the child and for anyone witnessing it.

Better to be safe than sorry.

You can test for peanut allergy if you really want to give peanut butter by spreading a small amount on the inner arm of a child.  Leave it there for 24hrs (no bath that night) if the skin becomes itchy and inflamed I would avoid peanuts at all costs if there is no reaction after 24hrs it is unlikely that the child has an allergy.

Posted: 05 January 2006 at 8:19pm | IP Logged

But you could not do that in our house as the dogs would not leave you alone, trying to lick it off