What Are Tree Nuts?
Tree nuts, for the purpose of food allergies, include the following types of nuts (remember, peanuts are actually not a tree nut, but a legume). If any of these are present, a warning will be included on food labels stating that the product contains tree nuts. If your child has a known allergy to nuts, also be careful about cooking oils and additives that are in soaps, lotions and other things you might be putting on your baby’s skin.
AlmondsArtificial nutsBeech nutsBlack walnutsBrazil nutsButternutsCashewsChestnutsChinquapinsCoconutsFilbertsGingko nutsHazelnutsHickory nutsLichee nutsMacadamia nutsNangai nutsPecansPine or pinon nutsPili nutsPistachiosShea nutsWalnuts
How to Feed Your Baby Tree Nuts
Nuts contain lots of healthy fatty acids, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and protein, so don’t be shy about giving them to your baby. However, whole nuts are choking hazards, and so are spoonfuls of thick, sticky nut butter. Instead:
If your baby is at high risk, your pediatrician may ask that you introduce certain foods at their office so they can observe reactions in a clinical setting.
Spoon feeding: Thin out nut butter with water, breast milk, or formula. Then stir into yogurt, oatmeal, baby cereal, or fruit puree until thoroughly blended. You can also use powdered nut butters, stirred directly into these foods until smooth.Finger foods: Use nut butter or pesto—made from pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, or any nuts you like—as a sauce for pasta (bonus: the noodles will be less slippery than when tossed with butter or olive oil). Or spread nut butter thinly on toast.
