Early Exposure to Peanuts Lowers Allergies—Try These 6 Expert-Approved Baby Snacks
New research shows introducing peanuts early can help reduce allergies. Good Housekeeping's registered dietitian shares the best baby snacks that make peanut exposure safe, easy, and delicious.
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As a dietitian and mom of two young kids, I know how nerve-wracking it can feel to introduce peanuts (or any allergen) to your baby. Thankfully, new research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brings some reassuring news: peanut allergies have dropped by 43% since the landmark LEAP Study ten years ago. That study changed everything, showing that feeding babies peanuts early and regularly can actually help prevent allergies, a major shift that pediatricians still recommend today.
Gideon Lack, MBBCH, MA, a pediatric immunologist and the lead author of the LEAP Study, explains that more than 150,000 peanut allergies were likely prevented over the last decade as a result of this simple shift. But he stresses that introducing peanuts isn't a one-time thing. “In order to build tolerance, children need to consume peanut foods both early and regularly," says Lack. "Babies in the LEAP Study ate about 6 grams of peanut protein per week to achieve the dramatic results, which equates to about 23 peanuts."
Of course, you can’t give a tiny human full peanuts, and even peanut butter can be a choking hazard. The good news is that there are safe, baby-friendly ways to do this, from diluted peanut butter to peanut powder mixed into purees or quick-dissolve peanut puffs. Ahead, I’m sharing some of my favorite products that I’ve personally used with both of my kids to make early peanut introduction easier, safer, and even a little fun.
Globowl Around the World Variety Pack (6 Pack)
As a dietitian, I know how important it is to expose kids early on to a wide variety of flavors and cuisines. Developing adventurous taste buds can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating, but figuring out what to cook and how to safely introduce those global flavors to babies can be difficult.
That’s why I was so intrigued when I learned about Globowl, a new premade baby food brand designed to help families do exactly that. Their ready-to-eat meals are inspired by international dishes, from baby-friendly bibimbap to veggie tikka masala, and are thoughtfully made to introduce little ones to common allergens and diverse textures in a safe, approachable way.
Each recipe has been reviewed and approved by an advisory board that includes physicians, dentists, and occupational therapists. It’s a newer brand, and I haven’t had the chance to try it with my kids yet, but I’m genuinely excited to give it a go, both for the convenience and for the opportunity to broaden their palates early on.
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