First foods database

🐖 Pulled pork for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat pulled pork? Yes, from about 6 months, if it is homemade without salty rubs or sugary barbecue sauce. Slow-cooked pork shoulder falls apart into soft, moist strands, which are much easier for babies to manage than chops.

From 6 monthsTake care with shape and textureIron rich

Good source of: Protein, Zinc, Thiamin, Iron

How to serve pulled pork by age

6 to 9 months

Slow-cook pork shoulder with onion, garlic, smoked paprika and a little apple, no salt. Shred finely and offer moist strands to hold, or blend with the cooking juices and vegetables.

9 to 12 months

Finely shredded pork mixed into rice, mashed sweet potato or soft tortilla wraps.

12 months and up

Pulled pork in family wraps, buns and rice bowls. Serve baby's portion before adding barbecue sauce or salt.

Choking safety

Long strands of meat can be stringy. Shred finely and keep moist. Remove any fat, gristle and bones.

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🫘Black beansFrom 6 months🌯Tortilla wrapFrom 6 months · Gluten

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat pulled pork?

Can babies eat pulled pork? Yes, from about 6 months, if it is homemade without salty rubs or sugary barbecue sauce. Slow-cooked pork shoulder falls apart into soft, moist strands, which are much easier for babies to manage than chops.

Can babies have barbecue sauce?

Most barbecue sauces are high in salt and sugar. Season baby's portion with spices instead.

Is pork good for babies?

Yes. Pork provides protein, zinc and B vitamins, and the darker shoulder meat contains iron.

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).