First foods database
🌾 Spelt for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat spelt? Yes, from about 6 months. Spelt is an ancient type of wheat, so it contains gluten and counts as a wheat allergen, but it brings a lovely nutty flavour and plenty of fibre.
Good source of: Fibre, Protein, Magnesium, Iron
How to serve spelt by age
6 to 9 months
Cook spelt grains until very soft and blend them into a purée with vegetables, or use spelt flour in simple pancakes and fingers of soft spelt bread. Spelt porridge flakes also work well.
9 to 12 months
Offer soft cooked spelt grains in risotto-style dishes, spelt pasta, or toast fingers made from spelt bread.
12 months and up
Serve spelt bread, spelt pasta, or spelt grains in salads and stews with the family.
Choking safety
Cooked whole spelt grains are chewy, so blend or mash them for younger babies. Spelt bread is similar to other breads: offer toast fingers rather than soft doughy pieces that can clump.
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
- Spelt is a type of wheat and contains gluten; it is not suitable for wheat or gluten allergy.
- Choose low-salt spelt bread.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains gluten, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce gluten
Easy ideas
- Spelt porridge with pear
- Spelt and vegetable risotto
- Spelt pancakes with banana
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat spelt?
Can babies eat spelt? Yes, from about 6 months. Spelt is an ancient type of wheat, so it contains gluten and counts as a wheat allergen, but it brings a lovely nutty flavour and plenty of fibre.
Is spelt OK for babies with a wheat allergy?
No. Spelt is a species of wheat and contains gluten, so it should be avoided just like ordinary wheat if your baby has a wheat allergy.
Is spelt healthier than wheat?
It is similar nutritionally. Wholegrain spelt has more fibre, and the nutty flavour gives variety.
Sources
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
- NHS: What to feed young children
- NHS: Food allergies in babies and young children
- NHS: How to stop a child from choking
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).