Macadamia nut

Macadamia can be offered very finely ground, or as a butter mixed into other foods, once baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months. Whole nuts, chopped nuts and clumps of butter can all cause choking.

The plant is native to Australia. It grows on evergreen trees in rainforests.

It provides thiamin, protein, healthy fat, fiber and iron. That iron is especially useful when a baby eats a plant-based diet.

General tips

Serve the nut as a powder or a very thin spread. A thick layer can turn into a sticky clump, so spread it thin. Nuts can go rancid. They stay fresh up to 1 year in the fridge and up to 2 years in the freezer.

Macadamia milk is fine before 12 months only inside a solid dish such as oatmeal. As a drink before 12 months, offer only breast milk, formula and, after 6 months, a little water.

Whole macadamia

A whole nut is hard, small and round. It is tough to bite. That makes it one of the riskiest nuts. Start with softer nuts first.

Show your child first. Keep the nut between your front teeth, push it back to the molars using your tongue, and chew with an open mouth. Say 'This one is hard. Watch me.' Then say 'Your turn.' Give one or two nuts at a time.

A child should not eat nuts while talking, singing or yelling. After nut practice, check that the mouth is empty. Do not let the child walk around with nuts in the mouth.

Babies and young children can choke on whole nuts, nut pieces and clumps of nut butter. Nuts and pieces count as a risk until age 4 and even later.

Prepare macadamia in a way that fits baby's age: very fine and lump-free. Stay next to baby, within arm's reach, for the whole meal.

Macadamia is not a common allergen worldwide. In Australia, where it is a native crop, the allergy is more frequent. It belongs to the tree nut family. About 0.5 to 1.2 percent of people are allergic to tree nuts. The allergy usually lasts for life. Only about 9 percent of children outgrow it. Though rare, reactions can be severe.

If your child is allergic to walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts, a macadamia allergy becomes a little more probable. Sensitization to macadamia and coconut often goes together. Reactions range from mild mouth symptoms to anaphylaxis.

An allergy to one nut does not mean giving up all nuts. Work with an allergist to find out which nuts are safe.

Most babies do not need allergy testing before nuts, even with a family history of allergy. If your baby has severe eczema, has had an allergic reaction before, or you suspect a nut allergy, talk to your doctor or a pediatric allergist before offering it at home.

For the first try, give a pinch of fine powder, or a scant 1/8 teaspoon of creamy nut butter loosened with water, formula, or breast milk. If there is no reaction, raise the amount over later meals.