First foods database
🥣 Miso for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat miso? Miso is a fermented soya paste that is very high in salt, so it is best avoided for babies under 12 months. For toddlers, a small amount in a family soup or glaze now and then is fine. Soya is a common allergen.
Good source of: Protein, Vitamin K, Manganese
How to serve miso by age
6 to 9 months
Not yet. Even a teaspoon of miso contains a lot of salt for a baby, whose kidneys cannot cope with much. Flavour soups and noodles with ginger, garlic, spring onion and a splash of unsalted homemade stock instead. You can introduce soya with soft tofu or plain soya yoghurt.
9 to 12 months
Still best avoided. Keep using tofu and mashed edamame for soya, and add savoury depth with mushrooms, tomato or a little sesame.
12 months and up
A small amount of miso in family soups, noodle broths or glazes, occasionally. Add it at the end of cooking, then serve your toddler a smaller portion diluted with extra water or unsalted broth.
Choking safety
Miso itself is a smooth paste and not a choking risk. Cut tofu into small soft cubes, chop seaweed finely and snip noodles short in miso soup.
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
- Very high in salt; under-1s should have less than 1g salt a day in total.
- Soya is a common allergen; introduce it first with tofu or soya yoghurt.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains soya, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce soya
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat miso?
Can babies eat miso? Miso is a fermented soya paste that is very high in salt, so it is best avoided for babies under 12 months. For toddlers, a small amount in a family soup or glaze now and then is fine. Soya is a common allergen.
Can toddlers have miso soup?
Occasionally, in small diluted portions, because miso is very salty.
Is miso good for babies?
It is too salty for babies under 12 months. Introduce soya with tofu or soya yoghurt instead.
Is instant miso soup OK for toddlers?
Instant sachets are usually even saltier. Make your own with a small amount of paste and lots of water, or save them for occasional use.
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).