Peanuts and peanut products can induce an allergic reaction. In families with a history of any kind of food allergy it is advisable to avoid all products containing peanuts until the child is 3 years old. However, provided there is no family history of allergy, peanut butter and finely ground nuts can be introduced from 8 months. Take care, if there is a family history of atopic disease such as asthma, eczema or hay fever the risk of a child developing an allergic disorder more than doubles. Whole nuts should not be given to children under the age of 5 because of the risk of choking.