Easy Peanut Allergy Prevention

Introducing your child to a small amount of peanuts during baby-led weaning can reduce the chances of them developing a peanut allergy, and increase the chances of peanut allergy prevention. A landmark 2015 trial study that found this approach reduced the risk of developing a peanut allergy by 80 percent in susceptible kids. With those results, it’s worth experimenting, as peanuts and tree nuts are excellent sources of healthy fat and protein in a vegan diet.

RELATED: VEGAN TODDLER MEAL PLAN

While peanut powders are now available for your baby, a cheaper peanut snack is available at your local Trader Joe’s!

Bamba is only 99 cents with a peanutty crunch that melts in your mouth. Vegan heaven! They’re reminiscent of cheese doodles but with peanut powder instead of cheese powder. Bamba is one of the leading snack foods for children in Israel, and babies are commonly given these nutty snacks on their high chair trays, just like Americans will do with puffs or Cheerios.

While peanut allergy prevention methods aren’t 100%, the NIH recommends a three-tiered approach for reducing risk:

Infants at high risk of developing a peanut allergy (who have severe eczema or egg allergies) should start eating peanut products at 4 to 6 months but should have a doctor consultation as they may want to have a skin test done first.

Infants at lower risk, who have mild or moderate eczema, should start eating peanut-containing foods around age 6 months.

Infants without eczema or food allergies can eat peanuts whenever.

Delaying introduction to peanuts is an outdated recommendation, consult with your child’s pediatrician if you have any questions. Another useful tool for vegan parents and meal planning is the Facebook group run by registered dietitians- Ask A Vegan Dietitian. Get weekly meal plans and 24/7 access to ask dietitians about any of your dietary concerns.