Peanuts can be terrifying. Peanuts can be deadly. Some schools even ban them. Kids carry Epi-Pens to treat themselves if they are exposed. This is a very stressful way to live. What can we do?
About 2% of children in American who have a peanut allergy have "severe, even life-threatening reactions".
About 2% of children in American who have a peanut allergy have "severe, even life-threatening reactions".
The National Institutes of Health are issuing new guidelines saying that "most babies should regularly eat" foods that contain peanuts "starting around 6 months of age, some as early as 4 months". This approach, they think, will "lower their chances of becoming allergic".
Up until 2008, pediatricians recommended that children avoid peanuts until age 3, but that delay did not seem to help, so the recommendation was dropped.
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
"The recommendations are based on landmark research that found early exposure is far more likely to protect babies from developing peanut allergies than to harm them."
When I read this article, I thought, "Hmmm, this is like getting an allergy shot or even an immunization. Give me just a little and let my body build it's own defenses". I like it. Yep, this makes sense.
But how do I even start the process?
It's important to determine the level of risk that baby has of becoming allergic as they get older. The level of risk determines the approach. If a family member has a peanut allergy, it is especially important to consider this early exposure. This is the physician's job.
Up until 2008, pediatricians recommended that children avoid peanuts until age 3, but that delay did not seem to help, so the recommendation was dropped.
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
"The recommendations are based on landmark research that found early exposure is far more likely to protect babies from developing peanut allergies than to harm them."
When I read this article, I thought, "Hmmm, this is like getting an allergy shot or even an immunization. Give me just a little and let my body build it's own defenses". I like it. Yep, this makes sense.
But how do I even start the process?
It's important to determine the level of risk that baby has of becoming allergic as they get older. The level of risk determines the approach. If a family member has a peanut allergy, it is especially important to consider this early exposure. This is the physician's job.
Now, you don't just put a big glob of peanut butter on a spoon and give it to your baby. First of all, it's a choking hazard. Second, "full-strength" peanut butter is too much of a risk. Babies need a "diluted" approach such as peanut butter "cut" with another food item or "easy-to-gum peanut-flavored puff' snacks". .
But, first things first...
1. "All babies should try other solid foods before peanut-containing ones, to be sure they're developmentally ready" (to eat solid foods, I guess!)
2. High-risk babies are those with egg allergies or who have severe eczema. They should have peanut-containing foods introduced at age 4 to 6 months after a checkup to tell if they should have the first taste in the doctor's office, or if it's OK to try at home with a parent watching for any reaction.
3. Moderate-risk babies, those who have milder eczema which is typically treated with over-the counter creams, should start peanut-based foods around 6 months, at home.
4. Most babies are low-risk, and parents can introduce peanut-based foods along with other solids, usually around 6 months.
5. Building tolerance requires making peanut-based foods part of the regular diet, about three times a week."
But, first things first...
1. "All babies should try other solid foods before peanut-containing ones, to be sure they're developmentally ready" (to eat solid foods, I guess!)
2. High-risk babies are those with egg allergies or who have severe eczema. They should have peanut-containing foods introduced at age 4 to 6 months after a checkup to tell if they should have the first taste in the doctor's office, or if it's OK to try at home with a parent watching for any reaction.
3. Moderate-risk babies, those who have milder eczema which is typically treated with over-the counter creams, should start peanut-based foods around 6 months, at home.
4. Most babies are low-risk, and parents can introduce peanut-based foods along with other solids, usually around 6 months.
5. Building tolerance requires making peanut-based foods part of the regular diet, about three times a week."
I kept reading the article waiting for the "science" part because I'm a science geek and I need to see the kind of evidence on which they base their recommendations to determine if I can trust the information. So, here goes...
Jewish children in Britain who had no peanut products during infancy had a 10 times higher rate of an allergic response than did those children in Israel where "peanut-based foods are common starting around age 7 months".
Next, in 2015, the National Institutes of Health evaluated 600 babies in order to put the England-Israel theory to test. "By age 5, only 2% of peanut eaters-and 11% of those at highest risk-had become allergic. Among peanut avoiders, 14% had become allergic, and 35% of those at highest risk."
Next, in 2015, the National Institutes of Health evaluated 600 babies in order to put the England-Israel theory to test. "By age 5, only 2% of peanut eaters-and 11% of those at highest risk-had become allergic. Among peanut avoiders, 14% had become allergic, and 35% of those at highest risk."
What happens if he has a serious peanut allergy and parents want to "peanut-proof" their daughter? Common sense precautions are required.
Keep the food separate and take extra care with hand washing. Since the dangerous allergen is present in the home where it once was banned, emergency treatments need to be discussed.
Babies are designed to be adorable and we just wanna hug 'em up and kiss them. Make sure there is no skin-to-skin contamination. Better safe...
Keep the food separate and take extra care with hand washing. Since the dangerous allergen is present in the home where it once was banned, emergency treatments need to be discussed.
Babies are designed to be adorable and we just wanna hug 'em up and kiss them. Make sure there is no skin-to-skin contamination. Better safe...
Doctors are saying that the amount of new diagnoses and the severity of peanut allergies will depend on how many parents embrace the new guidelines and they encourage doctors to be cooperative with parents. They're asking doctors to support parents who want to introduce peanuts to their children by supervising the "introduction" in their offices.
If your child has an allergy, especially to peanuts, life is not nearly as enjoyable as it should be. Talk with your doctor. Ask family members if they have allergies and consider introducing peanut products to your infant. You might just end up, you guessed it...sleeping like a baby.
I have confidence in you, Claudia
