Talk to me about peanut butter

oct11bride03 · January 2011

We want to start giving K peanut butter, so I went to Target last night to buy Benadryl to keep on hand in case K had a reaction. There wasn't any on the shelf so I asked the pharmacist for a recommendation. He said they don't recommend Benadryl for children under 6 and I'd be better off asking my pedi for an epi pen if I'm really concerned.

I'm going to call the pedi later, but I'm a little shocked by the response. For starters, I can't imagine my pedi just writing a script for an epi pen when there's no medical reason. And my insurance wouldn't cover it anyway, I'm sure.

Am I overthinking this peanut butter thing? K hasn't had any reactions to food, vaccines, anything in the environment, and there's no family history of food allergies. but I'm still terrified of a PB reaction because I know it can come out of nowhere.

So tell me, when you introduced PB did you do anything to prepare if there was a reaction? Help!

LisaMarisa · January 2011

Talk to your pedi about Benadryl. We keep it on hand and would just give him a small dose if needed. Your pedi isnt going to give you an epi pen for no reason.

muppet.fan · January 2011

I bought the normal children's benedryl (or target generic) and my pedi gave us the doseage for Elizabeth based on her weight. She recommended having it on hand starting around 1 year when we started introducing more allergy-prone foods. Thankfully we haven't ever needed to get it out!

SeaSoul · January 2011

We didn't do anything to prepare, and I wasn't nervous about it. Dr. said PB was okay at 12 mos, so that's when we gave it to him.

RoxBride · January 2011

I do think you are over thinking the PB thing a bit.

However, my pedi wants every parent, from newborn on, to have Children's Liquid Benedryl in the house, so that if you need to give it, you have it. They do advise not to give it to children unless the doctors says, and you would need your pedi to tell you the dose, as you won't be able to find that information on the packaging.

oct11bride03 · January 2011

Sounds like I talked to a whacked out pharmacist.

Thanks for the replies. I'll run out this weekend and get some liquid Benadryl and ask the pedi about dosing.

mrsolsenk12 · January 2011

Our pedi oked PB after 12 months so we gave it to him. He never had any reaction to foods, meds, enviorment so we didn't prepare for it. He had no problem and loves PB&J.

madhatter2003 · January 2011

agreed with the others...our pedi has us keep benadryl on hand for all kids for any reaction....bee stings, etc. An epi pen has a lot more risks if it's not 100% needed.

But as far as PB, you are probably overthinking it. But I'll admit I had daycare give my kids the first taste/try as they are next door to the rescue squad building.

kianew · January 2011

SeaSoul:
We didn't do anything to prepare, and I wasn't nervous about it. Dr. said PB was okay at 12 mos, so that's when we gave it to him.

This exactly.

kimarino13 · January 2011

Nope. We just gave them some last night for the first time and we had no issues.

emmyloustu · January 2011

muppet.fan:
I bought the normal children's benedryl (or target generic) and my pedi gave us the doseage for Elizabeth based on her weight. She recommended having it on hand starting around 1 year when we started introducing more allergy-prone foods.

This! For Eliza at 12m, 21lbs they told us 3/4tsp.

If you are super concerned about the PB, do a skin test first. Put a dab on her cheek, let it sit for a few then wipe it off and see if she gets a rash or red mark. Because allergies can occur at the second exposure, repeat skin test a day or two later.

I had no concerns about offering it and just gave it to E on some toast, as you know, she did have a mild skin reaction which was slightly worse the second time. Benadryll got it under control within minutes.

cjsbdl · January 2011

We've given Benadryl plenty of times on the advice of H's pedi.

That said, I wouldn't worry too much about introducing peanut butter...the risk is actually really low. But if you want to you can always go sit in the parking lot or waiting area at the pedi's office and give her some...the reaction will be fast if there is one. My pedi has suggested I do this with strawberries for Henry, since my husband is allergic.

PhillySue · January 2011

SeaSoul:
We didn't do anything to prepare, and I wasn't nervous about it. Dr. said PB was okay at 12 mos, so that's when we gave it to him.

This goes for us too

marcuej · January 2011

SeaSoul:
We didn't do anything to prepare, and I wasn't nervous about it. Dr. said PB was okay at 12 mos, so that's when we gave it to him.

Yup! This was the same for us.

choco_lab · January 2011

I think I gave it to DS around 12 mo. I was a little nervous so just made sure I did it in the morning when I knew my pedi was open (not during their lunch or on the weekend or at night) so if I needed to take him in I could. He was fine and LOVES it!

roaringrock · January 2011

I really don't understand the pb hysteria.

my pedi gave us the 'thumbs up' around 9M. his only issue was don't do the chunky version or whole peanuts - choking hazards.

talk to your pedi about benadryl. it is safe to give young children but you need to find out the right dose from your doctor. the package says not to give under the age of 5/6 and the pharmacist was just doing his job.

I hope K likes the pb. it's an easy (and well received) lunch and a great source of protein!

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