First foods database
🥓 Bacon for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat bacon? Bacon is very high in salt, so it is best avoided for babies under 12 months and offered only occasionally in small amounts after that.
Good source of: Protein, Vitamin B1, Zinc
How to serve bacon by age
6 to 9 months
Not yet. Bacon is too salty for babies under 12 months. Offer unprocessed meats like chicken or beef instead. Fresh unprocessed meats give iron and protein without the salt.
9 to 12 months
Still best avoided. A tiny amount cooked into a family dish now and then is unlikely to harm, but keep it rare. Keep bacon as an occasional family flavour.
12 months and up
Offer small amounts of cooked bacon occasionally, chopped into eggs or pasta. Choose reduced-salt versions. Grill rather than fry, and trim the fat.
Choking safety
Crispy bacon can be sharp and hard, and chewy bacon can be tough. Chop it into small pieces for toddlers. Remove the rind and any tough fat.
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
- High in salt: avoid for babies under 12 months and keep occasional after.
- A processed meat; best kept as a treat.
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat bacon?
Can babies eat bacon? Bacon is very high in salt, so it is best avoided for babies under 12 months and offered only occasionally in small amounts after that.
Can my 10-month-old have bacon?
It is best to avoid it because of the salt. Unprocessed meats are a better choice. Small tastes of family meals now and then are unlikely to cause harm.
Is turkey bacon better?
It is still processed and salty. Unprocessed chicken or turkey are better choices.
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).