How do I introduce eggs and peanuts to a 7-month-old infant?

How to Introduce Eggs and Peanuts to a 7-Month-Old Infant

You should introduce both eggs and peanuts to your 7-month-old infant now, using age-appropriate preparations and a careful, step-by-step approach to monitor for potential allergic reactions. 1, 2

General Introduction Principles

• Introduce allergenic foods like eggs and peanuts between 4-6 months of age, not delaying beyond 6 months 1, 2
• Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 2-3 days between new foods to monitor for reactions
• Always introduce these foods when:
  • Your infant is healthy (no fever, cold, vomiting, or diarrhea)
  • At home (not at daycare or restaurant)
  • When an adult can focus full attention on the infant
  • When you have at least 2 hours afterward to monitor for reactions 1

Step-by-Step Introduction Method

For Peanuts:

1. First feeding:

   • Prepare one of these age-appropriate options:
     • Option 1: Soften Bamba® peanut puffs with 4-6 teaspoons of water (specifically recommended for infants under 7 months) 1
     • Option 2: Mix 2 teaspoons of smooth peanut butter with 2-3 teaspoons of hot water, stir until dissolved and thinned, then let cool 1
     • Option 3: Mix 2 teaspoons of smooth peanut butter with 2-3 tablespoons of previously tolerated pureed fruit/vegetables 1

2. Initial taste test:

   • Offer a small amount on the tip of a spoon
   • Wait 10 minutes to observe for any immediate reaction
   • If no reaction occurs, slowly give the remainder at the infant's usual eating pace 1

3. Ongoing exposure:

   • Continue regular exposure (2-3 times per week) to maintain tolerance 1, 2

For Eggs:

1. First feeding:

   • Prepare well-cooked egg (hard-boiled egg yolk or well-cooked scrambled egg)
   • Mash thoroughly and mix with previously tolerated food if needed

2. Initial taste test:

   • Follow the same approach as with peanut - small amount first, wait 10 minutes, then proceed if no reaction
   • Start with egg yolk (less allergenic) before introducing whole egg including white

3. Ongoing exposure:

   • Continue regular exposure (2-3 times per week) to maintain tolerance 2

Monitoring for Allergic Reactions

Watch for these potential signs of an allergic reaction:

• Mild symptoms:

  • New rash
  • A few hives around the mouth or face 1

• Severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention/911:

  • Diffuse hives over body
  • Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Repetitive coughing
  • Change in skin color (pale, blue)
  • Sudden tiredness/lethargy
  • Vomiting 1

Special Considerations

• If your infant has severe eczema or known egg allergy, consult with an allergist before introducing peanuts, as they may recommend allergy testing first 1, 2
• If your infant has no risk factors (no eczema or known food allergies), home introduction without prior testing is appropriate 1
• Early introduction of allergenic foods has been shown to reduce risk of developing food allergies 1, 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't delay introduction beyond 6 months of age, as this may increase allergy risk 1, 2
• Don't use chunky peanut butter due to choking hazard; always use smooth peanut butter thinned appropriately 1
• Don't introduce raw or undercooked eggs due to food safety concerns; ensure eggs are well-cooked 3
• Don't introduce these foods when the infant is sick or when you can't monitor them for at least 2 hours 1
• Don't introduce multiple new allergenic foods on the same day - introduce them separately to identify any potential allergen 2