Peanut Allergy in Infants: Signs, Testing, and Safe Introduction

When it comes to peanut allergy in infants, a potentially life-threatening immune reaction to peanut proteins that can develop as early as the first exposure. Also known as peanut hypersensitivity, it’s one of the most common and serious food allergies in young children, affecting about 2% of kids in the U.S. and rising steadily over the last two decades. Unlike some allergies that fade with age, peanut allergy often lasts a lifetime — which is why early recognition and smart prevention matter more than ever.

Parents often wonder: Should I wait to give my baby peanuts? The answer changed in 2017 after the landmark LEAP study showed that introducing peanut products to high-risk infants between 4 and 11 months reduced the chance of developing allergy by up to 80%. That’s not a suggestion — it’s a medical guideline. But timing isn’t everything. How you introduce it matters just as much. Whole peanuts? Never. They’re a choking hazard. Smooth peanut butter thinned with water or warm formula? That’s the standard. And if your baby has severe eczema or an egg allergy, talk to your pediatrician first. You might need an allergy test before even trying peanut at home.

allergy testing, a process that includes skin prick tests or blood tests to detect IgE antibodies specific to peanut proteins. Also known as IgE-mediated testing, it helps determine if your child is sensitized — but not always allergic. A positive test doesn’t mean your baby will react when they eat peanut. Only a food challenge, done under medical supervision, confirms the allergy. That’s why so many parents feel stuck in uncertainty. And if your child does react, symptoms can range from mild — like hives or vomiting — to severe, like anaphylaxis in babies, a rapid, full-body allergic reaction that causes breathing trouble, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Also known as severe allergic reaction, it requires immediate epinephrine and emergency care.

There’s no cure for peanut allergy yet. But the good news? We now know how to prevent it in most cases. And we know how to manage it when it happens. The posts below cover real-world experiences, medical guidelines, and practical steps from parents and doctors who’ve been through it. You’ll find what to watch for, how to read food labels safely, when to use an EpiPen, and how to navigate daycare, schools, and family gatherings without fear. This isn’t about avoiding peanuts forever. It’s about giving your child the safest, smartest start possible.