Senior child experts have cautioned that children under five years should not be given large pieces of whole peanuts to avoid choking hazards.
They recommended that mothers blend the peanuts into a paste or chew them into soft and absorbable pieces for the child.
The experts, however, advised the early introduction of peanuts to their children’s diet due to its health benefits and potential to prevent peanut allergies.
In exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the paediatricians also advised parents to start with small amounts and monitor any allergic reactions or intolerance that might occur.
According to the Mayo Clinic, choking happens when an object lodges in the throat or windpipe and blocks the flow of oxygen to the brain.
A hospital blog, Epworth HealthCare reported that there has been an increase in young children choking on peanuts or tree nuts.
A study by James Leung et al on “Increased rates of peanut and tree nut aspiration as a possible consequence of allergy prevention by early introduction” reveals that foreign bodies lodged in the airway of children are a surgical emergency.
It adds that peanuts and tree nuts posed a significant risk of aspiration in babies, stating that there has been a rise in two and three-year-olds choking on peanuts, tree nuts, and other solid food since the early introduction of peanuts in infants.
The study further highlights the urgent need to promote the safe introduction of hard foods in young children.
According to an allergy support organisation, Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia stated that babies, toddlers, and young children under the age of five were unable to chew hard foods safely.
It noted that these foods could get stuck in their breathing tubes and lungs, requiring a medical procedure to remove them.
It recommends that smooth peanut butter or nut flour should be given to babies under five, advising parents to ensure babies are seated while eating.
Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, a professor of paediatric surgery, Olusanya Adejuyigbe, urged parents to prepare peanuts as a paste and avoid giving whole peanuts to babies to prevent choking.
He also cautioned against feeding babies commercially prepared peanuts, noting that they often contain many additives.
The researcher on Congenital Malformation said, “Buy the fresh peanut, roast it in an oven until it is dry. If the parents have an air fryer, they can roast it with it or on a farm for a fee. Then they blend it and add water or whatever liquid they have to make it into a paste. I think they can even use breast milk but it will have to be finished that day. Then feed the child with a teaspoon. This will prevent choking.
“Although there are commercially prepared groundnut butter, it contains many additives. That is why I recommend they buy the fresh peanuts and prepare it into a paste by themselves.”
Continuing, Adejuyigbe said, “The other option I would advise if they can’t blend the peanuts is that the mother can chew it until it is almost smooth and then put it in the child’s mouth. They can also use this method to feed them corn. This would prevent choking or aspiration.”
The don stated that peanuts were rich in protein and contained antioxidants that would help fight disease.
He added that giving children peanuts helped promote their growth and development.
Also speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, a paediatrician, Dr Olufemi Akodu, stated that whole peanuts or large pieces should not be given to children under five years old due to the choking risk.
He recommended that parents give babies peanut puree, peanut butter, or finely ground peanuts, starting with a small amount.
The child expert emphasised that introducing peanuts early provided improved gut health and nutrient intake and helped prevent peanut allergies later in life.
He said, “It is recommended that peanuts should be introduced to children at an early age to reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. Here are some guidelines: For infants with severe eczema or egg allergy, introduce peanuts around four to six months of age. Infants with mild to moderate eczema: Introduce peanuts around six months of age; Healthy infants without eczema or allergies: Introduce peanuts around six to 12 months of age.”
“Start with a small amount, about one to two teaspoons; Choose peanut puree, peanut butter, or finely ground peanuts; Monitor for signs of allergy or intolerance; Gradually increase the amount if no reaction occurs.
“Whole peanuts or large pieces should not be given to children under five years old due to the choking hazard.”
Akodu further stated that introducing peanuts early to children has positive and negative implications.
He listed the positive implications as reduced risk of peanut allergy and improved gut health and nutrient intake.
“Studies suggest that introducing peanuts between four to 11 months can reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. Improved gut health: Peanuts contain prebiotic fibre, which can promote a healthy gut microbiome; Increased nutrient intake: Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals,” Akodu said.
“The negative implications are allergic reactions: Some children may still develop an allergy or intolerance, which can lead to severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis; Choking hazard: Whole peanuts or large pieces can be a choking hazard for young children; Digestive issues: Some children may experience digestive issues, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or stomach cramps, after consuming peanuts,” the paediatrician said.
