Babies can be sensitive to what food is given to them. Allergies happen when babies are sensitive to it. Peanut based foods are good for babies, a study shows, as it can help in preventing allergies.
Children could run the risk of developing an allergy to peanuts. A new guideline has come out that advises parents to give peanut based foods to babies before they reach a year old. The guideline has been based on research that shows babies fed with peanut based foods have a lower risk of developing allergy towards them.
The guideline gives parents and caregivers and idea on how to give peanut based foods to infants. The guideline has been given out by the National Institutes of Health. In the guideline, peanut based foods can be given to infants as early as four to six months old.
Before babies can be given peanut based foods, it has to be determined if they are at high risk for it. Babies at high risk need to have a pediatric physician look into them for possible signs of risk. These signs might include a severe form of eczema, or can also have egg allergies, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Babies with lower risks can have peanut based food slowly introduced to them. Whole peanuts or a large serving of peanut butter are discouraged though, as they can be choking hazards for babies. Small amounts of watered down peanut butter or gum favored peanut snacks are suggested alternatives.
Around two percent of children in the US can have an allergic reaction to peanut, as The Guardian reports. This allergic reaction can be severe and could even be fatal. Pediatricians before the study have advised parents to give peanut based foods to children by the time they are three years old.
The guideline has further advised that babies should first be given other solid foods before peanut based foods are given. Allergies in babies can be avoided with proper medical guidance. Peanut based foods are good for babies, as a study shows. A new pill has been developed that could help fight diabetes.
