First foods database
🥜 Brazil nuts for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat Brazil nuts? Finely ground Brazil nuts can be used in food from about 6 months. They are very high in selenium, so only small amounts are needed, and whole nuts are a choking risk under 5.
Good source of: Selenium, Magnesium, Healthy fats, Vitamin E
How to serve brazil nuts by age
6 to 9 months
Grind finely and sprinkle a small amount into porridge, yoghurt or purées. A quarter of a teaspoon of finely ground Brazil nut is plenty for a young baby.
9 to 12 months
Use small amounts of ground Brazil nuts in bakes and porridge. Mix ground Brazil nuts with other ground nuts for variety.
12 months and up
Continue using ground nuts. Whole or chopped Brazil nuts are for age 5 and over.
Choking safety
Whole and chopped Brazil nuts are a choking hazard for under-5s. Grind finely. Nut butters should be thinly spread.
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
- Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, so only a small amount is needed. Do not offer them daily.
- Brazil nuts are a tree nut allergen.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains tree nuts, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce tree nuts
Easy ideas
- Ground Brazil nut porridge
- Fruit and nut baked oats
- Brazil nut and banana muffins
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat brazil nuts?
Can babies eat Brazil nuts? Finely ground Brazil nuts can be used in food from about 6 months. They are very high in selenium, so only small amounts are needed, and whole nuts are a choking risk under 5.
How many Brazil nuts can a baby eat?
Just a small sprinkle of ground nut now and then. One or two whole nuts are enough for adults.
Are Brazil nuts a tree nut?
Yes, Brazil nuts are tree nuts and an allergen. Introduce each tree nut separately if possible, so you can spot any reaction.
Sources
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
- BSACI: Early feeding guidance
- NHS: How to stop a child from choking
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).