First foods database
🧊 Stock cubes for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have stock cubes? Ordinary stock cubes, gravy granules and bouillon powder are very high in salt, so they are best avoided under 12 months. After that, low-salt stock used sparingly is fine, and homemade unsalted stock is best of all.
Good source of: Flavour
How to serve stock cubes by age
6 to 9 months
Not yet. Babies under 12 months need less than 1g of salt a day, and a single ordinary stock cube can contain more than twice that. Cook with homemade unsalted stock, or water flavoured with onion, garlic, carrot, celery and herbs.
9 to 12 months
Still best avoided. Make a batch of homemade chicken or vegetable stock, with no salt, and freeze it in ice cube trays so you can add a cube or two to purées, risotto and soups.
12 months and up
Use low-salt stock cubes or pots occasionally and in small amounts, for example half a low-salt cube in a family pot. Take your toddler's portion out before adding extra seasoning for adults.
Choking safety
Stock cubes are not a choking risk; the concern is salt. Keep cubes and stock pots out of reach, as toddlers may try to eat them.
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
- Very high in salt, even 'reduced salt' versions can be salty for babies.
- Gravy granules, bouillon powder and stock pots are just as salty.
- Celery is an allergen and often in stock; check labels.
Goes well with
Recipes with stock cubes
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat stock cubes?
Can babies have stock cubes? Ordinary stock cubes, gravy granules and bouillon powder are very high in salt, so they are best avoided under 12 months. After that, low-salt stock used sparingly is fine, and homemade unsalted stock is best of all.
Can babies have stock cubes?
They are best avoided before 12 months because they are so salty.
Are baby stock cubes okay?
Low-salt baby stock products can be used sparingly, but homemade unsalted stock is still best.
What can I use instead of stock cubes?
Simmer chicken bones or vegetables with herbs, freeze in cubes, and flavour food with herbs, garlic, lemon and mild spices.
Sources
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children
- NHS: What to feed young children
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).