First foods database
⭐ Star anise for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat star anise? Star anise can flavour your baby's food from about 6 months, but the whole star-shaped pod must always be removed before serving. It gives a sweet liquorice warmth to stews, broths and fruit.
Good source of: Flavour
How to serve star anise by age
6 to 9 months
Simmer one whole pod in a stew, broth or fruit compote, then lift it out before blending or mashing.
9 to 12 months
Use whole star anise to flavour slow-cooked beef, pork or poached pears, removing it before serving.
12 months and up
Continue using it in family cooking, such as Chinese and Vietnamese broths, and always take out the pods. It is a key flavour in Chinese five spice.
Choking safety
Whole star anise is hard, woody and has sharp points, so it is a choking hazard. Count pods into the pan and out again, and never serve ground star anise in large amounts.
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
- Use only Chinese star anise, sold as a spice for cooking. Japanese star anise is a different plant and is toxic.
- Star anise teas are not suitable for babies.
Easy ideas
- Pear and star anise compote
- Slow-cooked beef with star anise
- Congee simmered with star anise
Goes well with
Recipes with star anise
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat star anise?
Can babies eat star anise? Star anise can flavour your baby's food from about 6 months, but the whole star-shaped pod must always be removed before serving. It gives a sweet liquorice warmth to stews, broths and fruit.
Is star anise safe for babies?
As a flavouring that is removed before serving, yes. Babies should not eat the pods.
Can babies have star anise tea?
No. Herbal teas are not recommended for babies, and some star anise teas have caused harm when contaminated with Japanese star anise.
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).