Why You Shouldn’t Rub Peanut Butter on Your Baby’s Skin (Baby Allergy Safety Explained)

Have you heard the advice to rub peanut butter or egg on your baby’s skin before feeding it to ‘test’ for allergies?
It’s common advice. It’s well-meaning. But it’s wrong, and potentially harmful.

In this episode of NestPod, I explain why rubbing food on your baby’s skin isn’t just unhelpful, it can actually increase their risk of developing a food allergy. As a paediatric nurse and allergy specialist with 10+ years of experience, I break down:

🧴 What actually happens when food touches inflamed or broken skin
🧠 Why this method doesn’t tell you if a baby is allergic
🚫 How it can lead to sensitisation, not prevention
✅ What to do instead when introducing allergy foods safely
💬 And why your baby’s immune system learns best through their tummy, not their skin

If you're starting solids soon, or feel completely unsure about how to safely introduce peanut, egg, or other allergens, this is a must-listen.


ARE YOU AN ALLERGY FAMILY?

After years of watching families juggle paper allergy food trackers, worry-filled notes, and inconsistent advice, I’m so excited to be working with the team behind Raffy, the world’s first allergy support tool and tracker that’s actually designed with parents in mind.

As part of our collaboration, I’m offering free access to the Raffy app + 1 month inside the Nest Allergy membership, where we’ll support you step-by-step through your child's allergy journey, from introducing allergenic foods at home to just a virtual hug when you need it.

✨ You’ll get:

Confidence to keep feeding high-risk foods regularly

Tools and support you need to keep going, even when it feels scary

A say in shaping the app’s next version (you’ll be part of the founding group)

Want in? Just apply here - https://forms.gle/c3pbBnytHXLgWRGC9 and we will be in touch! 💟