Learn how to safely introduce and serve nuts to babies and toddlers to avoid choking risks and offer up a load of nutrition. Win win!

examples-of-nuts-for-kids-in-bowls

Nuts for Kids

There aren’t many foods that I say NO to for kids, but whole nuts are a choking hazard until at least age 4, which I know is surprising to some. Plus, spoonfuls of nut butters can be way too sticky for little mouths to handle, which can also cause potential trouble. 

Here’s the good news though: There are SO many yummy options for how to serve nuts that offer up the healthy fats, protein, and more that are easier for the kids to chew and swallow! Plus, nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins and minerals including Vitamin E and iron. So incorporating them into their diets is a great way to add nutrients.

P.S. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that we introduce allergens, including peanuts, to babies soon after they start solids UNLESS there is a family history of food allergies or the baby has had or has eczema. Always be in touch with your pediatrician for medical advice and with any concerns about introducing potential food allergens.

peanut butter puree in small bowl with baby spoon

Peanut Butter Puree

This is my go-to way to serve peanut butter to babies and it’s such a flavorful and nutrient-rich food for littles. All you need is unsweetened peanut butter and warm water to mix up a fluffy puree! (It has the consistency of yogurt!) You can serve this on a spoon like any other puree or add to oatmeal or yogurt.

TIP: Find the full info on how to Introduce Peanuts to Babies here.

nut-powder-in-glass-bowl

Nut Powder

Grinding up a homemade nut powder by blending up whole nuts into a fine dust-like powder. This adds texture and nutrients! You can sprinkle on grains, meat, veggies…anything you like! Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the specifics on how to do this.

TIP: Using this sort of a nut powder can help toddlers with texture aversions too.

toddler-breakfast-with-peanut-butter-toast

Peanut Butter Toast

Try a thin smear on toast, pancakes or waffles. The key here is thin, not globs, to ensure that this is easy to chew. This also works as a baby led weaning food for younger babies to gnaw on on a finger-size piece of lightly toasted bread.

TIP: I toast bread lightly for younger toddlers, verses untoasted bread, simply because the texture difference makes it a little easier to chew—and a little less likely to get stuck on the roof of their mouths.

chopped-nuts-for-kids

Chopped Nuts and Seeds for Kids

For kids over about 20-22 months, try finely chopped or finely sliced nuts as an option. Sit with them and give a very small amount to make sure they do okay as it take some practice to learn the new texture.

You can also soak cashews and chop them for an even softer option.

Roasted sunflower seeds are a good option from about 2.5/3 years and up. I’d do pumpkin seeds a little later than that since they can be hard to chew.

Halved cashews, walnuts, or peanuts are a good option for kids about 3 + years. (I am being conservative here just to err on the safe side of things.)

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examples-of-nuts-for-kids-in-bowls

How to Serve Nuts to Babies and Toddlers

Below is the method for making nut powder, plus links to my favorite recipes that include nuts, nut butters, and seeds. Nutrition will vary depending on how much you use. Info here is per tablespoon.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Baby Food
Calories 53kcal
Servings 16

Ingredients

  • 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, almonds, or walnuts
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Instructions

  • Add the nuts to a blender. Secure on the lid and grind, starting on low and working up to high. Grind to form a powder (the time it take will vary on the nut and its firmness), but before it turns into nut butter. You will be able to visually tell when it's a powder.
  • Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place or in the fridge for up to 3 months. You can also freeze for up to 6 months.
  • Sprinkle over veggies, grains, meat, oatmeal, banana slices, or any other food that sounds good to you!

Notes

  • You can serve the nut powder from about ⅞ months and up.
  • Roasted cashews may also work.
You can also serve nuts safely in:

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp, Calories: 53kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 60mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

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Comments

  1. My two and a half year old loves eating nuts and raisins out of my tail mix. Most of the nuts are halved and he’s never had a problem crunching or chewing them. Should I have any reservations about letting him eat these nuts and dried fruits whole?

    1. Personally I would be fine with the dried fruit but I’d stick with the halved nuts since whole nuts are generally considered to be a higher risk for choking until age 4. If he’s doing well with the nuts as they are, I’d stick with it!

  2. What are your thoughts on giving a 2yr old nuts that have been baked like whole walnuts in banana bread or halved peanuts in a granola bar?

    1. Typically walnuts in baked goods are soft and easier to chew. With the granola bar, it may depend on how chewy or crunchy the rest of the bar is. That would impact how hard the whole thing would be to chew. Usually halved or broken peanuts are okay, but I’d chew that bar yourself and make sure it’s easy to chew.

  3. It’s a Southern thing, but boiled peanuts would be great! They’re super soft and easy to chew. They mash really easily. The only thing is they’re usually prettt salty. But you can make your own easily at home with a crockpot.