First foods database
🥚 Mayonnaise for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat mayonnaise? Shop-bought mayonnaise is made with pasteurised egg and is fine in small amounts from about 6 months, once egg has been introduced. Homemade mayonnaise uses raw egg, so only make it with British Lion stamped eggs.
Good source of: Fat, Vitamin E, Vitamin K
How to serve mayonnaise by age
6 to 9 months
Mayonnaise is not needed, but a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) can help bind mashed egg, tuna or potato into a spreadable texture. Mix it with plain full-fat yoghurt to lighten it, and spread thinly on toast fingers.
9 to 12 months
Use a little mayonnaise in egg mayonnaise or tuna sandwiches cut into fingers, or as part of a yoghurt-based dip. Keep portions small.
12 months and up
Mayonnaise can be part of family sandwiches, potato salad and coleslaw now and then. Choose lower-salt options and still keep portions to a teaspoon or so.
Choking safety
Mayonnaise is smooth and low risk. Take care with what it is mixed with: chop egg and fish small, and avoid hard raw vegetable chunks in coleslaw for young children; grate them finely instead.
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
- Egg is an allergen; some brands also contain mustard.
- Mayonnaise is high in fat and some brands are salty: use a little.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains egg, mustard, which are among the 14 major allergens. How to introduce egg · How to introduce mustard
Easy ideas
- Egg mayonnaise on toast fingers
- Tuna, sweetcorn and yoghurt mayonnaise mash
- Soft potato salad with a little mayonnaise and chives
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat mayonnaise?
Can babies eat mayonnaise? Shop-bought mayonnaise is made with pasteurised egg and is fine in small amounts from about 6 months, once egg has been introduced. Homemade mayonnaise uses raw egg, so only make it with British Lion stamped eggs.
Is mayonnaise safe for babies?
Shop-bought mayonnaise made with pasteurised egg is fine in small amounts.
Can babies eat homemade mayonnaise?
Only if it is made with British Lion stamped eggs, as it uses raw egg.
Is vegan mayonnaise OK for babies?
It is egg-free, which can help babies with egg allergy, but check labels: some contain soya or mustard and can be salty.
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).