First foods database
🍜 Rice noodles for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat rice noodles? Yes, from about 6 months. Rice noodles are soft, gluten-free and quick to cook, and they make a great base for mild stir-fries and broths, but they need cutting into short lengths for little ones.
Good source of: Carbohydrate, Manganese
How to serve rice noodles by age
6 to 9 months
Cook the noodles until very soft, rinse to stop them sticking, then cut into short pieces about 2 to 3 cm long. Mix with soft vegetables, flaked fish or mashed tofu. Thicker flat rice noodles can be offered in slightly longer strips for your baby to grab.
9 to 12 months
Offer chopped noodles in a mild, low-salt broth with soft chicken and vegetables, or tossed with a little sesame oil and peas.
12 months and up
Serve rice noodles in family stir-fries, pad Thai style dishes without chilli heat, or noodle soups. Cut long noodles with scissors.
Choking safety
Long, slippery noodles can be sucked in and are hard to manage. Cut them into short lengths for babies and toddlers, and cook until soft rather than al dente. Do not serve crispy fried noodles.
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
- Soy sauce, fish sauce and stock pots are very salty; leave them out of your baby's portion or use a few drops of low-salt soy sauce only.
- Rice noodles are gluten-free, but check the packet in case wheat has been added.
Easy ideas
- Rice noodles with tofu and broccoli
- Mild chicken and noodle broth
- Rice noodles with peas and scrambled egg
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat rice noodles?
Can babies eat rice noodles? Yes, from about 6 months. Rice noodles are soft, gluten-free and quick to cook, and they make a great base for mild stir-fries and broths, but they need cutting into short lengths for little ones.
Do rice noodles contain arsenic?
Rice products contain small amounts of arsenic. Rice noodles as part of a varied diet are fine; it is rice drinks that should not be given to under-5s.
Are rice noodles good for babies?
They are a useful energy food and gluten-free, but they are low in fibre and iron, so pair them with vegetables and protein.
Can babies eat glass noodles?
Yes, cooked glass or vermicelli noodles are fine if they are soft and cut short.
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).