First foods database

🐖 Pork for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat pork? Yes, from about 6 months, when cooked all the way through. Fresh pork is a good source of protein, B vitamins and zinc, but processed pork such as ham and bacon is salty.

From 6 monthsTake care with shape and textureIron rich

Good source of: Protein, Thiamin, Zinc, Iron

How to serve pork by age

6 to 9 months

Slow-cook pork shoulder until it shreds easily, then mash or blend with the cooking juices and soft vegetables. Offer soft strips of slow-cooked pork to hold and gnaw.

9 to 12 months

Offer finely shredded pork, soft pork mince meatballs or small tender pieces mixed into rice or pasta.

12 months and up

Serve roasted, in stir-fries or casseroles, cut small. Keep bacon, ham and sausages as occasional foods only.

Choking safety

Pork chops and lean roast pork can be dry and tough, so slow-cook and shred. Remove crackling, which is hard and salty. If offering sausages, cut them lengthways and then into small pieces, never in round coins.

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

Easy ideas

Goes well with

🍎AppleFrom 6 months🍠Sweet potatoFrom 6 months🍜Egg noodlesFrom 6 months · Egg · Gluten🫛Green beansFrom 6 months

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.

Download for iPhoneGet it on Android

Questions parents ask

Can babies eat pork?

Can babies eat pork? Yes, from about 6 months, when cooked all the way through. Fresh pork is a good source of protein, B vitamins and zinc, but processed pork such as ham and bacon is salty.

Can babies eat ham?

Ham is high in salt, so offer only small, occasional amounts, ideally a low-salt version, and not as an everyday sandwich filling. Freshly cooked pork is a better choice.

Can babies eat pulled pork?

Yes, homemade and slow-cooked without salty rubs or barbecue sauce. Flavour it with apple, garlic, paprika or herbs instead.

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).