First foods database
🍬 Marshmallows for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat marshmallows? No. Marshmallows are not suitable for children under 5. They are soft and sticky, can squash to fit and block a child's airway, and they are almost pure sugar, so they offer nothing a growing child needs.
Good source of: Sugar
How to serve marshmallows by age
6 to 9 months
Not suitable for babies. If you want something soft and sweet, ripe banana, mashed mango or squashed berries are perfect at this age and bring vitamins and fibre too.
9 to 12 months
Not suitable for babies. Soft fruit, plain yoghurt with mashed berries and fruit-sweetened bakes make better treats.
12 months and up
Still not suitable until age 5. Watch out for marshmallows floating in hot chocolate, on cupcakes, in rocky road and in party bags, and ask grandparents, nursery and carers to skip them too.
Choking safety
Marshmallows are a recognised choking hazard for under-5s because they are soft, sticky and can mould to the shape of the airway and block it. Mini marshmallows carry the same risk. From 5, offer them sitting down and supervised, one at a time.
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
- Not suitable for under-5s.
- High in sugar and often coloured.
- Most contain gelatine from pork, which matters for some families.
Goes well with
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 marshmallows?
Can babies eat marshmallows? No. Marshmallows are not suitable for children under 5. They are soft and sticky, can squash to fit and block a child's airway, and they are almost pure sugar, so they offer nothing a growing child needs.
When can my child eat marshmallows?
From age 5, sitting down and with supervision.
Are mini marshmallows safer for toddlers?
No. They are still a choking risk for under-5s.
What should I do if my toddler has eaten a marshmallow?
If they are breathing, talking and coughing normally, simply keep them calm and watch them. If they are struggling to breathe or cannot cough or cry, start choking first aid and call 999.
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).