Can I give tree nuts to my peanut allergic child?
Have you wondered about giving tree nuts to a child who has a peanut allergy?
If your child has a peanut allergy, be sure to consult with your allergist or medical provider prior to giving them any new foods.
If your child has a peanut allergy, you may also be advised to introduce tree nuts. The reason you should provide your child with tree nuts is to prevent the development of allergies to tree nuts. Research shows that 1/2 of children allergic to one tree nut are allergic to another tree nut ( McWilliam V, et al 2019). Tree nut allergies are more difficult to outgrow than peanut allergies as about 9% of children outgrow tree nut allergies whereas 20% of children outgrow peanut allergy (Children's National Hospital, 2024). Make sure you discuss with your allergist what tree nuts are safe to give your child before introducing any new foods. What tree nuts you provide your child will depend on conversations and testing that you've had with your child's allergist.
Understanding the difference between peanuts and tree nuts can be confusing. A peanut is a type of legume, while tree nuts are not part of the legume family. You do need to be careful that tree nuts do not have cross-contact with peanuts prior to consuming them.
I've found that specialty health food stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joes often have a variety of individual tree nut butters made in peanut free facilitates. You can also find breads, milk alternatives, and crackers that are made with specific tree nuts to help introduce these products. Amazon is also an option and there are some products with multiple tree nuts in one container so you can introduce many tree nuts at the same time.
When you have been cleared by your allergist to give tree nuts to your child, rest assured that you have emergency medication available, your allergy action plan, and know how to monitor for a reaction. The key is to be consistent and give the other tree nuts approximately 3 times a week. Giving them one time does not mean your child will not develop the allergy. Keep calm and tree nut on!
