First foods database

🟤 Allspice for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies have allspice? Yes, from about 6 months a pinch of ground allspice can flavour baby's food. It is a single dried berry whose warm flavour reminds people of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg together, and it suits apple, squash and Caribbean dishes.

From 6 monthsLow choking risk when prepared well

Good source of: Manganese, Antioxidants

How to serve allspice by age

6 to 9 months

Add a small pinch of ground allspice to stewed apple or pear, porridge, or squash and pumpkin purée. It brings warmth without salt or sugar. If you cook with whole berries, take them out before blending or serving. A tiny amount is enough, as it is strong.

9 to 12 months

Use allspice in family stews, rice and peas, mild homemade jerk-style chicken without chilli or salt, and in banana or apple muffins.

12 months and up

Keep using it in family cooking and baking, from Christmas spiced dishes to Caribbean stews.

Choking safety

Whole allspice berries are small, hard and round, like peppercorns, so always remove them before serving. Ground allspice is low risk.

Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).

Good to know

Easy ideas

Goes well with

🍎AppleFrom 6 months🎃Butternut squashFrom 6 months🍗ChickenFrom 6 months🍠Sweet potatoFrom 6 months

Recipes with allspice

🍲Caribbean chicken and sweet potato stewFrom 7 months · Dinner · 55 min🍌Caribbean plantain and black bean baby mashFrom 7 months · Dinner · 25 min🎃Caribbean red pea and pumpkin coconut stewFrom 7 months · Dinner · 45 min🍗Mild jerk-style chicken with rice and peasFrom 12 months · Dinner · 60 min🍚Rice and peas with roasted squashFrom 7 months · Dinner · 50 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat allspice?

Can babies have allspice? Yes, from about 6 months a pinch of ground allspice can flavour baby's food. It is a single dried berry whose warm flavour reminds people of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg together, and it suits apple, squash and Caribbean dishes.

Is allspice a mix of spices?

No. It is a single berry from the pimento tree; its flavour just reminds people of several spices.

Can babies have jerk seasoning?

Ready-made jerk seasoning is usually hot and salty. A homemade mild version with allspice, thyme and garlic is better.

Sources

OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).