How to serve, by age
6 mo+ (butter)
Smooth peanut butter only — never chunky — thinned with warm water or milk until it drips off the spoon like yogurt. Offer a small amount and watch the response.
Any age
Whole or chopped peanuts: never before age 5.
Choking risk: High
Whole peanuts — hard, round, small and slick — are among the most dangerous airway objects for young children. No whole or chopped peanuts before age 5.
If choking ever happens: act immediately — call emergency services (911 in the US) and seek emergency care. Do not wait.
Allergens
Peanut is one of the most common food allergens, and reactions can be severe. First introductions: a small amount of well-thinned butter, during the day, with someone watching. With a strong family history of food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing.
Common questions
- Grandma says she chewed food for us — can she pre-chew the peanut?
- No. Pre-chewing is not recommended: it does not remove the allergy risk, and adult oral bacteria can be harmful to infants. Use a spoon and thinned butter instead.
Practical tips
- Dilution that works: 1 spoon peanut butter + 3 spoons warm water or milk, stirred to yogurt thickness.
- Chunky peanut butter, peanut bits and whole peanuts stay off the menu until age 5.
Sources
This page is general guidance assembled from the public sources above. It is not medical advice. For questions about your baby — including allergies, prematurity and any health condition — ask your pediatrician. See our medical disclaimer.