How To Introduce and Serve Tree Nuts For Babies

Introducing Tree Nuts

There are many different types of tree nuts, but we’ve grouped them together in this guide. While they do vary slightly in taste and nutrition, they are all considered top allergens and the way we safely prepare and serve them is very similar.

That said — it is important to introduce each nut individually so you can monitor for any reactions.

When we talk about tree nuts, we are referring to:

• Walnuts

• Pecans

• Brazil nuts

• Cashews

• Pistachios

• Hazelnuts

• Macadamias

• Pine nuts

Nutrition

Nuts are incredibly nutritious and offer a lot for growing babies. They are packed with protein, healthy fats and fibre, all of which support growth, development and gut health.

They also contain a wide range of important nutrients including vitamin E, B vitamins, folate, plant iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.

Nuts are also rich in phytochemicals, which act as antioxidants in the body and are associated with a range of long-term health benefits.

Some special mentions:

• Almonds — calcium and iron

• Brazil nuts — selenium, magnesium, vitamin E

• Cashews — iron and zinc

• Pistachios — iron, thiamine and B6

• Hazelnuts — vitamin E, thiamine and iron

Nut butters are also a well-loved and easy way to include nuts regularly in your little one’s diet.

Are Tree Nuts an Allergen?

Yes — all tree nuts are considered a top allergen.

Because of this, each nut should be introduced separately so that if a reaction does occur, the trigger can be easily identified.

While introducing allergens can feel a little nerve-wracking, it’s helpful to remember that most babies will not develop a food allergy.

Once a nut has been introduced and tolerated, it’s important to keep it in your child’s diet regularly to help maintain tolerance.

With so many different tree nuts, this can feel tricky — but there are some simple ways to make it easier.

For example:

• Blend multiple nuts into a mixed nut meal

• Add to cooking or sprinkle over meals

• Bake into muffins or fritters and freeze portions

If you include ingredients like egg, milk and flour, you can also cover multiple allergens in one go — we’re all about making life easier where we can.

How to Serve Tree Nuts Safely

What to Avoid

• Whole nuts and crunchy nut butters until around 5 years of age (choking risk)

• Nut milks as a main drink before 12 months

• Using nut milk as a replacement for cow’s milk or soy milk after 12 months, as they are often lower in protein, fat and calcium

If your child cannot have dairy or soy, it’s best to work with a paediatric dietitian to find a suitable alternative.

Also be mindful of thick, sticky nut butters — these can be difficult for babies to manage and should always be thinned or spread thinly.

First Exposure

For first exposure:

• Place a small amount of the nut (paste, or butter) on the inside of your baby’s lip

• Wait around 3–5 minutes and watch for any reaction

• If there are no symptoms, offer around ¼ teaspoon mixed into a familiar food

• If there are still no reactions continue to double the serving size at each meal until you are comfortable to move on to the next allergen.

6–12 Months

Nuts should be served as:

• Smooth nut butter or paste (no chunks)

• Thinned with water, milk or yoghurt

• Mixed into foods like porridge, purée or yoghurt

You can also:

• Use finely ground nuts (nut meal) to coat slippery foods like avocado or mango

• Add nut meal to meals for extra nutrition and flavour

12 Months +

Continue offering nuts in the same safe forms.

You may not need to thin nut butters as much, but still avoid large spoonfuls and chunky textures.

Crunchy nut butters should still be avoided at this stage.

5 Years +

Whole nuts can be introduced from around 5 years of age.

• Start with nuts split in half

• Encourage slow, thorough chewing

• Only offer when seated and supervised

• Avoid eating while walking or playing

Crunchy nut butter is generally appropriate from this age.

Maintaining Exposure

Once introduced and tolerated, aim to include tree nuts regularly in your child’s diet.

Using mixed nut meals, baking, or incorporating nut butters into meals can make this much easier to keep up consistently.

Easy Ways to Include Tree Nuts

• Roll slippery foods like avocado or mango in nut meal

• Sprinkle into porridge or cereal

• Add into muffins or biscuits

• Stir into sauces like bolognese

• Mix nut butter into yoghurt for a dip or spread

References

Better Health Channel. Antioxidants. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/antioxidants
Wallace TC et al. (2020). Fruits, vegetables, and health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
Ros E. (2010). Health benefits of nut consumption. Nutrients.