First foods database
🍖 Ham for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat ham? Only in small, occasional amounts. Ham is cured and very high in salt, so it is not a good everyday food for babies, but a little in a family meal now and then is fine.
Good source of: Protein, Zinc, Vitamin B1, Selenium
How to serve ham by age
6 to 9 months
Ham is not recommended as a regular food at this stage. If you do offer it, use a very small amount of a low-salt variety finely chopped into a dish. Homemade boiled gammon soaked first to draw out salt is a slightly better option than packaged slices.
9 to 12 months
Keep it occasional. Finely chop a little lower-salt ham into pasta or omelettes rather than serving slices.
12 months and up
Offer occasionally in small amounts, choosing lower-salt options, alongside plenty of fresh foods.
Choking safety
Thin slices of ham can be slippery and form a sheet across the throat. Shred or chop it finely.
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
- Ham and other processed meats are high in salt. Babies under 12 months need less than 1g salt a day.
- Fresh home-cooked meat is a better everyday choice.
Easy ideas
- A little chopped ham in vegetable omelette
- Ham and pea pasta (low salt)
- Ham, cheese and tomato toast fingers
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat ham?
Can babies eat ham? Only in small, occasional amounts. Ham is cured and very high in salt, so it is not a good everyday food for babies, but a little in a family meal now and then is fine.
Is ham safe for babies?
It is safe, but very salty. Keep it occasional and small, and choose lower-salt options.
What is a good alternative to ham for babies?
Home-cooked chicken, turkey or pork, sliced or shredded, without added salt. Roasted chicken or turkey slices also work in sandwiches.
Sources
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
- 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).