Did you know Food and Allergy Awareness Week was May 14-20, 2017?  Well, it’s never too late to be aware of Peanut Allergies.

One of the most common food allergies in children is peanuts, and the prevalence in the United States is increasing. Food allergies most often begin in the first 2 years of life. In countries, including the United States, where peanut introduction is delayed, peanut allergies have more than doubled in young children. The Learning Early about Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial was the first randomized trial to show the benefit of early introduction of peanut into a child’s diet resulting in a decreased risk of developing peanut allergy.

Children who are at increased risk for developing a peanut allergy include:

• Family or personal history of atopic disease
• Severe atopic dermatitis and/or egg allergy in young infants
• Family history of peanut allergy

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently introduced new guidelines for the introduction of peanuts.

• In infants without eczema or food allergies, and who are not at increased risk of peanut allergy, recommendations suggest peanut introduction with other solid foods according to family preference or cultural practice.
• In infants with mild to moderate eczema, or increased risk of peanut allergy, recommendations suggest peanut introduction around 6 months of age, following the start of other solid foods. Families may introduce peanuts at home.
• In infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy, recommendations advise introduction of peanut at 4-6 months of age, following the start of other solid foods. Allergy testing is strongly advised prior to peanut introduction in this group and possibly introducing peanuts under physician supervision

There are two methods for allergy testing: blood testing for peanut-specific IgE or skin prick testing.

When introducing peanuts to an infant, remember whole nuts and peanut butter can be a chocking hazard. We suggest adding water to smooth peanut butter and make a puree.  Put the puree on the tip of the spoon and feed your child. Wait and watch for any reactions. Allergic reactions to peanuts can include hives (raised, red areas of skin that are itchy), swelling of the tongue, trouble breathing/wheezing, vomiting or diarrhea.

For further information on food allergies visit

- FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) foodallergy.org

- healthychildren.org

The winter months bring illness season around each year.  One of the most common questions parents ask when their child is sick is "When can she go back to school or daycare?"  It is an important question as parents need to work, but they also want their child to be healthy while not putting other children at risk for illness as well. 

While some illnesses have a specific amount of time that is recommended for exclusion, many have a more general guideline.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) uses a general approach that says a child should stay home with an illness if:  the illness prevents comfortable participation, the need for care is more than can be given at the facility, or it poses a risk of harmful spread of disease to others. Your daycare may have more specific guidelines and procedures so it is good to know those as well. 

As always, ask one of us for guidance on return to child care.  Also, use the AAP's recently updated article from healthychildren.org for more information.  Go to healthychildren.org in the Family Life section and search "When to Keep Your Child Home from Child Care."