Baby accidentally ate walnut!

We were at at cookout today and my 1 year grabbed a brownie and took a bite. I didn't realize it had walnuts in it and she ate one! I'm freaking out now. I know they warn about nut allergies and it's just scaring me! She's not showing sign of any reaction and it's been about 2 hours now. Please, any advice would help!

[mom@homenow]

If it's been two hours with no signs of distress I don't think you have anything to worry about. Watch her closely, and if she gets unusually fussy check for a rash on her. The two people (an adult & my son at 2) who I've seen have a severe allergic reaction to food both got very itchy with a rash as the first sign. My son started reacting within about an hour of eating a pistachio, by the way.

Also, It's very unlikely for anyone to have an allergic reaction the first time exposed to something, it usually takes several exposures. So if she's never had tree nuts before she'd likely be okay even if by chance she does end up with that allergy. I think the biggest concern for young children and nuts is choking, and you're past that danger.

I know all too well your fear, believe me. We have to avoid all tree nuts and peanuts with my son, now 4. But I think you're in the clear on this one.

[Cheryl23]

She seems to be doing fine and it's now another 2 hours or so down. I know they say babies can get a severe reaction to nuts, but I've only heard the peanut thing. What are the guidelines as far as peanut butter. I've heard not to give them that till they are at least 3. I just wasn't sure if walnuts were as dangerous for small babies as peanuts.

[mom@homenow]

I've heard to wait until after they turn 2 to introduce peanut butter, but it may have changed and it also may vary depending on who you ask. I do know if there's a history of allergies in the family they prefer you wait longer. And of course I know people who have given their kids peanut butter (and other nuts) much sooner and not had a problem, but I think, why take the chance? Andi is right, though, the nuts are in lots of products you might not consider. Peanut or almond flour for example is used in a lot of processed foods, so kids are exposed often times before the parents realize it. A young girl I know is allergic to peanuts and I asked her parents how they found out. After they'd given her peanut butter several times they noticed a rash appeared around her mouth one time, then the next as well. So that is one thing to watch for when you do introduce it. I don't think everyone with allergies reacts the same, so it helps to be watchful the first several times with any new food. Anyway, all the best to you, enjoy your little girl! :-)

[Cheryl23]

Thank you so much for your feedback. She is as active as ever right now and showing no signs. I swear, they make parents so paranoid with all of their warnings, however, none of them seem particularly clear. Every doctor and every person has a different theory.

Oh, well. I think I just freaked out. Thanks for the reassurance. I always know where to come with concerns. Such honest, quick advice from people in the same boat - I love that!

[AndiJ78]

Oftentimes the allergy includes many tree nuts, not just peanuts. Ironically children are exposed to many nuts without the parents knowledge once they start solids. A true peanut allergy can and usually do react to even the oils, which is why products list if they work with peanuts as well.

When I had my first child, the recommendation was waiting until after the first birthday. With my second, it was bumped to two, but due to his exposure to peanut butter and such around a year (we completely abolished peanut butter from the house for the first year just to be safe) we started giving him small amounts.

I agree that given the time lapsed, your child sounds out of the woods ; )

Andi

[ange800]

My daughter had peanut butter from age 1 as it says they can from age 1 in my food chart for toddlers and she loves it its best to leave it until age 3 if there is a history of peanut allergies in your family.