Introducing nut butters to your baby can be a nourishing and safe way to expand their diet during the weaning phase.
Our unsalted first taste nut butter set provides a powerhouse of essential fats, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals that support brain development, immunity, and overall growth. However, nuts are a common allergen, so they must be introduced gradually and safely.
 When and how to introduce nut butters
Nut butters can be introduced from around 6 months, when babies are developmentally ready for solid food. To reduce allergy risk, it’s recommended to offer one nut at a time and wait 2–3 days before introducing another. Once individual nuts have been tolerated, you can offer a smooth mixed nut butter in small, safe amounts.
For babies 6–12 months, about 1–2 teaspoons per day is appropriate.
- Take some nut butter out of the fridge to make it room temperature. This will make it softer and easier to eat.Â
- Start small: Begin with a tiny smear (e.g. 1/4 teaspoon) the first few times to check for allergies.
- Gradually increase to 1–2 teaspoons if no allergic reaction occurs.
- Nut butter can be given a few times per week and doesn’t need to be daily.
Serving Ideas:
- Stir ½ teaspoon into porridge or mashed banana
- Mix with plain yoghurt for a protein boost
- Spread thinly on toast fingers
Key nutrients and the benefits for children (6 Months+)
| Nut | Key nutrients | Nutritional role | Benefits for children (6 months+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut | Plant protein, healthy fats, niacin (Vitamin B3), magnesium | Energy production and tissue growth | Supports growth and development by providing protein and sustained energy needed during rapid development. |
| Almond | Calcium, vitamin E, fibre, magnesium | Bone health and antioxidant protection | Calcium contributes to normal bone growth, while vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress. |
| Brazil nut | Selenium, healthy fats, magnesium | Immune and thyroid function | Selenium contributes to normal immune system function and supports thyroid health when consumed in small amounts. |
| Cashew | Iron, zinc, copper, magnesium | Blood formation and immune support | Iron contributes to normal cognitive development and oxygen transport; zinc supports immune function and growth. |
Key nutrients and the benefits during pregnancy and breastfeeding
| Nut | Key nutrients | Nutritional role | Benefits during pregnancy | Benefits during breastfeeding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut | Plant protein, folate (B9), niacin (B3), healthy fats | Tissue growth and energy metabolism | Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy and supports increased nutritional needs. | Protein and healthy fats support energy needs and contribute to overall maternal nutrition during breastfeeding. |
| Almond | Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, fibre | Bone support and antioxidant protection | Calcium contributes to the maintenance of bones and teeth, while vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress. | Calcium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth during periods of increased nutritional demand. |
| Brazil nut | Selenium, healthy fats, magnesium | Thyroid and immune support | Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function and immune system support during pregnancy. | Selenium contributes to normal immune and thyroid function, important for maternal wellbeing. |
| Cashew | Iron, zinc, copper, magnesium | Blood formation and immune function | Iron contributes to normal haemoglobin formation and oxygen transport during pregnancy. | Zinc contributes to normal immune system function and supports overall maternal health. |
If you would like to find out more about nutrients, check out our A to Z Vitamins & Minerals: function, benefits, and what foods you can find them in.
Important references:
Age of baby: It is generally safe to introduce nut butter to a baby between 6 to 12 months of age. Most experts recommend waiting until at least 6 months when your baby starts eating solid foods. This delay allows their digestive system to mature and reduces the risk of allergies.
Nuts are a common allergen, so it’s important to consult with your paediatrician before introducing them. Consider starting with nut butters in small quantities and watching for any allergic reactions.
Portion Size: Start with small portions and monitor your baby for any adverse reactions. Nuts are calorie-dense, so be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.
Family allergy history: If there’s a family history of nut allergies, consult with an allergist before introducing nuts to your baby’s diet.
Nut butter recommendations for women
| Group | Daily serving size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General adult women (moderately active ) | 1–1.5 tablespoons (15–24g) | Provides healthy fats and protein. Adjust based on activity level and calorie needs (~1,800–2,200 kcal/day). |
| Pregnant women | 1.5–2 tablespoons (24–32g) | Supports increased calorie and nutrient needs (~2,200–2,800 kcal/day). Rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. |
| Breastfeeding women | 2–2.5 tablespoons (32–40g) | Higher fat and calorie needs (~2,300–2,900 kcal/day). Nut butter helps meet energy demands and supports milk production. |
Nutritional sources
- Healthline states introducing smooth nut butters (peanut, almond, walnut) around 4–6 months can help prevent allergies, increase nutrient intake, and should be served thinned and spread thinly for safety nih.gov+15healthline.com+15srnutrition.co.uk+15.
- Bonavita emphasises that nut butters enrich baby meals with vitamins, minerals, protein, heart‑healthy fats and calories, while also potentially helping prevent future allergies bonavita.co.
- Nutrition advice from SR Nutrition (UK) notes nut butters are a good source of fibre, protein, healthy fats, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin E. They recommend offering a variety (peanut, almond, cashew, Brazil nut) from around 6 months srnutrition.co.uk.
- My Little Eater outlines safe serving methods (thin spreads, purees, powder) and highlights nut butters (peanut, almond, pistachio, etc.) as a rich source of unsaturated fats, encouraged once initial protocol is followed mylittleeater.com.
- Organix (UK) describes nuts (walnut, almond, peanut) as providing omega‑3 fatty acids for brain development, protein, fibre, and antioxidants. They recommend smooth nut butters for 6–9 month olds organix.com.
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