Peanuts are foods that often trigger allergic reactions. This may make the mother hesitate to give it to her little one when he is ready to eat solid food, even though giving peanuts from an early age is believed to prevent children from being allergic to peanuts. you know. How come, can? Check out the explanation here!
Peanuts often trigger allergies. However, that doesn't mean your little one can't eat peanuts. Mothers are actually advised to introduce peanuts to their little ones from the start of giving complementary foods. However, you need to know the rules for giving it first.
Rules for Giving Peanuts to Babies
Introducing peanuts to your little one from the age of 6 months has been shown to reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life. However, before giving him peanuts, you must first know how high the risk of your little one has a peanut allergy. Here are the levels:
- High risk, if your child has ever had an egg allergy or severe eczema.
- Moderate risk, if your child has had mild or moderate eczema.
- Low risk, if your little one has never had eczema or egg allergy.
Whatever the level of risk for your little one, you can still give him peanuts since he started eating solid food, aka the age of 6 months. It's just that, if your little one is at moderate or high risk, you must first consult a doctor. If necessary, giving peanuts is done under the supervision of a doctor at the hospital.
If your little one's risk of having a peanut allergy is low, you can start introducing peanuts to your little one at home. When giving peanuts for the first time, it is recommended not to mix it with other food ingredients. This is so that if an allergic reaction occurs, you can know for sure what caused it.
You can start feeding it ground peanuts and water or just use peanut butter without sugar. However, the texture of peanut butter can be too thick for babies. So, make sure you add enough water until the texture is suitable for your little one.
Until a few hours after your little one eats peanuts, keep an eye on him for an allergic reaction. If not, Mother can continue giving peanuts to her MPASI. The recommended serving of peanuts is 6 grams per week divided into 3 servings.
Reaction Sign Allergy Peanuts in Babies
Some babies can experience allergic reactions after consuming peanuts. Allergic reactions that appear can be:
- hives
- Red and itchy rash on the skin
- Swelling in certain body parts
- Hard to breathe
- Sneeze
- Wheezing
- Pale
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
Peanut allergic reactions in each baby can be different. In mild cases, the baby only experiences an allergic reaction in one part of the body, such as the face. Mild allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines. However, in fatal allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, urgent treatment is required in the ED.
It's natural that you are afraid to give your little one peanuts for fear of an allergic reaction. However, delaying giving peanuts or not giving them at all is also not the right solution. The more delayed, the greater the risk of your child suffering from peanut allergies later in life.
After all, it is better to anticipate allergies from now on to avoid a fatal reaction in the future. If you are still doubtful and worried, try discussing with your doctor first about the benefits and risks of introducing peanuts to your little one.
