First foods database
🍁 Maple syrup for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have maple syrup? It is best not to give maple syrup to babies under 12 months. It is a free sugar, and babies do not need added sugar. Unlike honey, it does not carry a risk of infant botulism, but sugar is still best kept to a minimum.
Good source of: Manganese, Sugar
How to serve maple syrup by age
6 to 9 months
Not yet. Babies naturally enjoy sweet tastes, so sweeten porridge, yoghurt and pancakes with mashed banana, apple purée or stewed fruit instead.
9 to 12 months
Still not needed. Mashed fruit and warm spices such as cinnamon and vanilla add plenty of sweetness to breakfasts and bakes.
12 months and up
From 12 months, a small drizzle occasionally, such as on pancakes, is fine. Keep it as a treat rather than an everyday topping, and brush teeth twice a day.
Choking safety
Maple syrup is a low choking risk.
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
- Free sugar: not needed for babies.
- Sugary foods and drinks increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Choose pure maple syrup over maple-flavoured syrups.
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat maple syrup?
Can babies have maple syrup? It is best not to give maple syrup to babies under 12 months. It is a free sugar, and babies do not need added sugar. Unlike honey, it does not carry a risk of infant botulism, but sugar is still best kept to a minimum.
Is maple syrup safe instead of honey for babies?
It does not carry the botulism risk of honey, but it is still sugar and is not needed under 12 months.
Can toddlers have maple syrup?
Occasionally, in small amounts. Fruit is a better everyday way to sweeten food.
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).