Can we use ABC butter to introduce nuts?

Can we introduce nuts using ABC butter?

Firstly a little allergy introduction crash course- if you are all over this skip ahead! 

We want to introduce the common allergens to our babies before 12 months of age. We know that this can actually reduce the risk of food allergies. Once we have introduced each common allergen, we want to keep up exposure- ideally twice a week!

So what are the common allergens?

The top 9 common allergens in Australia are:

• egg
• cow's milk (dairy)
• peanut
• tree nuts
• sesame
• soy
• wheat
• fish
• shellfish

Can we use an ABC butter to introduce a few nuts at once?

No, we recommend that you introduce one nut at a time. Although this is time consuming (we know- there are a lot to get through!) we have a good reason for giving this advice.

If you introduce each nut individually then if there is a reaction we can identify the culprit very easily! If you use an ABC butter we won't know which one bub has had an allergic reaction to. Then we either need to try each nut again one by one again or avoid all three until you see an allergist for advice. Either way- you would need to see your GP or paediatrician to discuss the type of reaction and get medical advice about how to best proceed to work out what your bub is allergic to.

So, although it seems faster- in the long run it is safer and easier to do them one at a time.