Re: Nuts for babies and toddlers

[Guest guest]

Elaine did not say that nuts should be part of every meal. That much

I am certain of. Elaine was not fond of giving specific advice as far

as what " balanced " meant. She never gave specifics on what percentage

should be carbs/protein/fat, etc. That information I have gotten from

nutritionists.

Elaine said that adults should have the equivalent of 2-3 muffins per

day or less. Children, less than that. And that includes all nut

items, nut milk, nut yogurt, nut cheese, nuts turned into baked goods

of any sort.

As for whether you should introduce nuts at 2 1/2, I would probably be

cautious if there is a family history of food allergies. I would be

more apt to err on the side of caution and wait - having seen what

anaphylaxis can do to a child (my nephew, who was given pb as a

9-month old by my SIL's ex-in-laws. There is a history of food

allergies in my husband's family). In a family were there is no

history of food allergies, it might be fine.

One article I read today mentioned putting nut butter (dime size) on a

child's hand, leaving it there for a few minutes, then wipe it off

with water. If you see a red whelt, then don't give the food. If you

see no reaction, wait a day or two and then put the nut butter on the

child's cheek. Reaction-don't feed. No reaction- wait a day or two

and let the child taste a small amount. No reaction, let the child

eat the nut butter. If there is a reaction, then don't feed it to the

child.

One article I read even went so far as to say that nursing mothers

with family histories of food allergies should not eat nuts or peanuts

while nursing.

Jody

mom to -7 and -9

SCD 1/03