First foods database

🌰 Almonds for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat almonds? Yes, from about 6 months, as smooth almond butter or finely ground almonds. Whole or chopped almonds are not safe for children under 5 because of the choking risk.

From 6 monthsAllergen: Tree nutsHigher choking risk: prepare carefully

Good source of: Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, Protein

How to serve almonds by age

6 to 9 months

Stir ground almonds or smooth almond butter into porridge, yoghurt or fruit purée. Spread a thin layer of almond butter on toast fingers.

9 to 12 months

Use ground almonds to coat slippery fruit, or mix into pancakes and baking.

12 months and up

Keep to ground almonds or smooth butter until age 5. Use ground almonds in baking and on cereal.

Choking safety

Never offer whole or chopped almonds to under-5s. Spread almond butter thinly or mix it into food, as thick spoonfuls can be sticky and hard to swallow. Always stay with your baby while they eat, and offer food with them sitting upright.

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

Tree nut allergen: introduce a small amount on its own.
No whole or chopped nuts under 5.
Choose unsalted, unsweetened almond butter.

Introducing it as an allergen

It contains tree nuts, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce tree nuts

Easy ideas

Ground almonds in porridge
Almond butter on toast fingers
Banana pieces rolled in ground almonds

Goes well with

🥣OatsFrom 6 months · Gluten 🍌BananaFrom 6 months 🍐PearFrom 6 months 🥣Greek yoghurtFrom 6 months · Milk

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat almonds?

Can babies eat almonds? Yes, from about 6 months, as smooth almond butter or finely ground almonds. Whole or chopped almonds are not safe for children under 5 because of the choking risk.

When can babies have almonds?

Ground almonds and smooth almond butter from about 6 months; whole almonds not until 5 years.

Can babies have almond drink?

Unsweetened fortified almond drink can be used in cooking, but it is not suitable as a main drink before 12 months.

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).