First foods database
🌶️ Paprika for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat paprika? Yes, from about 6 months, in small amounts. Sweet or mild smoked paprika adds warmth and a lovely red colour without chilli heat, and it is a great way to give baby food flavour without salt.
Good source of: Vitamin A, Antioxidants
How to serve paprika by age
6 to 9 months
Add a small pinch (about an eighth of a teaspoon) of sweet paprika to a portion of mashed sweet potato, lentils, eggs or shredded chicken. Sprinkle it on soft roasted vegetable wedges before cooking so the flavour sticks to finger foods.
9 to 12 months
Use up to half a teaspoon in a family pot of stew, bean dish, tomato sauce or homemade meatballs. Smoked paprika is strong, so use less of it than sweet.
12 months and up
Use in family cooking as normal. Keep hot paprika, cayenne and chilli powder for older children who enjoy heat, and add those to adult portions after serving your toddler's.
Choking safety
Ground paprika is not a choking risk, but a dry dusting on food can make babies cough. Mix it into moist food or toss vegetables in a little oil and paprika before roasting.
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
- Choose sweet or mild paprika; hot paprika and cayenne are too spicy for young babies.
- Check spice blends and rubs for added salt and sugar.
Easy ideas
- Paprika roasted sweet potato wedges
- Paprika chicken with rice and peas
- Paprika scrambled egg
- Mild paprika red lentil and bean stew
Goes well with
Recipes with paprika
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat paprika?
Can babies eat paprika? Yes, from about 6 months, in small amounts. Sweet or mild smoked paprika adds warmth and a lovely red colour without chilli heat, and it is a great way to give baby food flavour without salt.
Is paprika spicy for babies?
Sweet paprika is mild, not hot. Hot paprika can be spicy, so check the label.
Can babies have smoked paprika?
Yes, in small amounts. Its smoky flavour is strong, so a pinch is enough.
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).