First foods database
🌱 Flaxseed for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat flaxseed? Yes, ground flaxseed (linseed) can be stirred into food from about 6 months. It adds plant omega-3 fats and fibre, but whole seeds pass straight through, so always use it ground.
Good source of: Omega-3 (ALA), Fibre, Magnesium, Protein
How to serve flaxseed by age
6 to 9 months
Sprinkle a small pinch of milled flaxseed into porridge, yoghurt or purée. Start with about half a teaspoon. Flax adds a mild, nutty taste and slightly thickens porridge.
9 to 12 months
Add ground flaxseed to pancakes, muffins and baked oats. Ground flax mixed with water can also replace egg in baking.
12 months and up
Stir into breakfasts or bakes; up to a teaspoon or two a day is plenty. It can be stirred into smoothies.
Choking safety
Ground flaxseed is low choking risk. Whole seeds are small and hard, so use milled seeds for babies.
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
- Flaxseed is high in fibre. Start with small amounts and offer water with meals.
- Store ground flaxseed in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Easy ideas
- Porridge with ground flaxseed and banana
- Flaxseed and berry muffins
- Yoghurt sprinkled with ground flaxseed
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat flaxseed?
Can babies eat flaxseed? Yes, ground flaxseed (linseed) can be stirred into food from about 6 months. It adds plant omega-3 fats and fibre, but whole seeds pass straight through, so always use it ground.
Can babies eat whole flaxseed?
It is not dangerous but passes undigested, so milled flaxseed is better.
Is flaxseed a good omega-3 for babies?
It provides ALA, a plant omega-3. Oily fish remains the best source of DHA. Babies get DHA from breast milk or formula as well.
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).