First foods database

🌾 Buckwheat for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat buckwheat? Yes, from about 6 months. Despite its name, buckwheat is not wheat and is naturally gluten-free. It makes nutty porridge, soft pancakes and soba noodles, and contains plant protein and iron.

From 6 monthsLow choking risk when prepared wellIron rich

Good source of: Magnesium, Fibre, Protein, Iron

How to serve buckwheat by age

6 to 9 months

Cook buckwheat groats or flakes in water or milk until very soft and blend into porridge. Small buckwheat pancakes are good finger food. Toasted buckwheat (kasha) has a stronger flavour than raw groats, so start with untoasted for a milder taste.

9 to 12 months

Serve softly cooked groats mixed with vegetables, or buckwheat pancakes cut into strips. Groats can also be cooked like risotto with mushrooms and a little cheese.

12 months and up

Offer buckwheat porridge, pancakes, soba noodles or groats in salads and stews.

Choking safety

Cooked buckwheat is soft and low risk. Undercooked groats stay firm, so simmer until tender. Dry buckwheat pancakes can be crumbly; make them soft and thin.

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

Check labels: some buckwheat products and soba noodles also contain wheat.
Buckwheat allergy is uncommon in the UK but is a known allergen in some countries; offer a small amount first.

Easy ideas

Buckwheat and banana porridge
Buckwheat pancakes with berries
Buckwheat with roasted vegetables

Goes well with

🍌BananaFrom 6 months 🫐BlueberryFrom 6 months 🎃Butternut squashFrom 6 months 🥣YoghurtFrom 6 months · Milk

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat buckwheat?

Is buckwheat gluten-free?

Pure buckwheat is gluten-free, but many products are mixed with wheat. Check the label.

Can babies eat soba noodles?

Yes, cooked soft and cut short. Many soba noodles contain wheat, so check if you are avoiding gluten.

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).