Prep warning
Peanut is a common allergen, so introduce smooth peanut butter once a few other foods have been tolerated, on its own, early in the day so you can watch for a reaction. If your baby has severe eczema or a known egg allergy, talk to your pediatrician about how and when to introduce peanut. Use only unsweetened, unsalted smooth peanut butter with no added oils where possible.
Choking notes
A thick spoonful or blob of peanut butter is a choking hazard because it is sticky and can coat the throat. Always thin it with water, breast milk, formula, or a purée, or spread a very thin layer on a soft food. Whole peanuts and chunky peanut butter are not safe before about age five.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Stir a small amount of smooth peanut butter into a warm purée, oatmeal, or yogurt until it is thin and lick-off soft, with no thick blobs. This both gets the allergen in safely and avoids the sticky-glob choking risk. A thin smear on a soft strip of toast works too.
No pieces. Thin to a smooth, drippy texture, or spread a very thin layer; never a thick blob.
9-12 months
Keep peanut exposure regular once it has been tolerated. Thin smooth peanut butter into food or spread a thin layer on soft toast or soft fruit. Still avoid thick scoops and any chunky style.
No pieces. Keep it thinned or a thin spread; no thick scoops or chunky butter.
12-18 months
Spread a thin layer of smooth peanut butter on soft toast strips, soft fruit, or mix it into porridge and sauces. Thick blobs and chunky peanut butter are still a choking risk; keep it thin or thinned.
No pieces. Thin spread or thinned into food; no thick blobs or chunky butter.
2 years and up
Smooth peanut butter spread thinly or mixed into food stays a good everyday option. Hold off on whole peanuts and chunky peanut butter until around age five, since pieces are a choking risk, and keep any spread thin rather than a thick layer.
Keep it a thin smooth spread; no whole peanuts or chunky butter before about age five.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Peanut is a common allergen. Read Peanut guidance
Meal ideas with Peanut butter
Common questions
When can my baby eat Peanut butter?
Most babies can try Peanut butter from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is Peanut butter a choking hazard for babies?
Peanut butter carries a moderate choking risk for babies. Follow the age-appropriate cut sizes and textures above, and always stay close during meals.
Is Peanut butter a common allergen?
Peanut butter contains Peanut, one of the major food allergens. Offer a small amount the first few times and watch for a reaction — see the allergen notes above.
Sources7
- AAP - Starting Solid Foods (around 6 months)
- NHS - What to feed your baby from around 6 months
- AAP - Choking prevention guidance for infants and toddlers
- CDC - Foods that are choking hazards for infants and toddlers
- NIAID 2017 - When and how to introduce peanut to infants
- LEAP study - early peanut introduction reduced allergy risk by ~80% in high-risk infants
- USDA FoodData Central - Peanut butter (nutrient data)
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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