First foods database
🌰 Cloves for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have cloves? Yes, ground cloves can be used in small amounts from about 6 months to add warm, sweet flavour to food. Whole cloves are hard and sharp, so always remove them before serving.
Good source of: Flavour, Manganese
How to serve cloves by age
6 to 9 months
Add a tiny pinch of ground clove (less than 1/8 teaspoon) to stewed apple, pear or porridge. If you cook rice or lamb with whole cloves, count them in and count them out before mashing or serving.
9 to 12 months
Use a pinch of ground cloves in mild lamb stews, spiced rice or oat bakes. Whole cloves can flavour a pot of food while cooking, then be picked out.
12 months and up
Toddlers can enjoy family dishes spiced with cloves, like biryani or mulled fruit compote. Check every portion for whole cloves before serving.
Choking safety
Whole cloves are a choking hazard and can hurt little mouths. Always remove them after cooking, or tie them in a muslin bag. Ground cloves are safe in small amounts.
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
- Cloves are strong; a tiny pinch is enough.
- Clove oil is not suitable for babies, including for teething.
Easy ideas
- Stewed apple with a pinch of clove and cinnamon
- Mild lamb and rice with whole cloves removed
- Spiced pear porridge
Goes well with
Recipes with cloves
Weaning with OBubba
Log first foods in seconds. OBubba spots the allergens for you.
Track every food your baby has tried, see reactions over time, and let OBubba gently pace new allergens one at a time. Free to download.
Questions parents ask
Can babies eat cloves?
Can babies have cloves? Yes, ground cloves can be used in small amounts from about 6 months to add warm, sweet flavour to food. Whole cloves are hard and sharp, so always remove them before serving.
Can I use clove oil for teething?
No. Clove oil is not safe for babies. Speak to your pharmacist about teething.
How do I remove whole cloves?
Count them in and out, or wrap them in a muslin bag before cooking.
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).