First foods database
🥣 Gravy for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have gravy? Homemade gravy made without salt is fine from about 6 months. Gravy granules, stock cubes and most ready-made gravy are very high in salt, so they should only be used occasionally in tiny amounts, ideally as low-salt versions.
Good source of: Flavour
How to serve gravy by age
6 to 9 months
Make a simple gravy from the juices of roast meat (fat skimmed off) and the water you cooked vegetables in, thickened with a little cornflour. Use a spoonful to moisten mashed potato, meat or vegetables.
9 to 12 months
Keep using homemade gravy to soften roast dinners, meatballs or shepherd's pie. If you use granules for the family, set aside baby's portion before adding the gravy.
12 months and up
Serve a little low-salt or homemade gravy with family roasts. Onion gravy made from slowly cooked onions with water is a tasty salt-free option.
Choking safety
Gravy is a liquid and helps moisten dry foods, making them easier to swallow. Make sure it has cooled to a safe temperature before serving and that any meat or vegetables it is served with are soft.
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
- Gravy granules and stock cubes are high in salt; babies under 12 months should have less than 1g salt a day.
- Use low-salt stock or homemade juices.
Easy ideas
- Roast chicken dinner with homemade gravy
- Shepherd's pie with onion gravy
- Meatballs and mash with low-salt gravy
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat gravy?
Can babies have gravy? Homemade gravy made without salt is fine from about 6 months. Gravy granules, stock cubes and most ready-made gravy are very high in salt, so they should only be used occasionally in tiny amounts, ideally as low-salt versions.
Can babies have gravy granules?
Only occasionally in small amounts, because they are very salty. Low-salt granules or homemade gravy are a better choice.
How do I make baby-friendly gravy?
Use the juices from roast meat and the water from cooking vegetables, thicken with a little cornflour, and leave out salt and stock cubes.
Sources
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
- NHS: What to feed young children
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).