Allergies is a major issue in our country, with numbers on the rise in young children who have allergic reactions to peanuts and other allergens. Did you know? Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. Isn’t that mind blowing? According to a brief from the CDC, the prevalence of food and skin allergies increased in children under 18 years from 1997-2011. At one time it was recommended to wait until after a child was one-year-old to introduce peanuts and eggs into his/her diet. Research now suggests that introducing peanuts in small quantities over an extended period of time can actually help reduce the chance of a potential peanut allergy.

Having a two-year-old and young infant in the house, I’m not yet in the school-aged years, but did you know that most schools ban peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? PB&J sandwiches were certainly a staple in my home and my mom frequently packed them for lunch growing up. This ban is for the protection of all children in schools, but what if those allergies could be avoided.

A company, called Lil Mixins, has created a peanut powder specifically designed to be mixed into whatever food you’re already feeding your baby. They make it so easy – you just scoop 2 teaspoons, added three times a week into any baby food, milk or formula and mix it up to serve.