First foods database
🌾 Teff for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat teff? Yes, from about 6 months. Teff is a tiny, naturally gluten-free ancient grain that is unusually rich in iron and calcium, and it cooks into a smooth, nutty porridge. It is also the grain used to make injera.
Good source of: Iron, Calcium, Fibre, Protein
How to serve teff by age
6 to 9 months
Simmer about 1 part teff to 3 or 4 parts water or milk for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring, until thick and creamy. Blend if you want it completely smooth, then swirl in fruit purée.
9 to 12 months
Serve teff porridge with mashed fruit, or make small teff flour pancakes with banana that are easy for little hands to hold.
12 months and up
Offer teff porridge, teff pancakes or soft injera with stews and lentil dishes. Teff flour works well in muffins and flatbreads too.
Choking safety
Cooked teff is soft and smooth. It thickens as it cools, so loosen with a little milk if it becomes stiff.
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
- Naturally gluten-free, but some teff flour is processed alongside wheat: check labels if needed.
Easy ideas
- Teff porridge with mashed banana
- Teff and banana pancakes
- Injera with mild red lentil stew
Goes well with
Recipes with teff
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat teff?
Can babies eat teff? Yes, from about 6 months. Teff is a tiny, naturally gluten-free ancient grain that is unusually rich in iron and calcium, and it cooks into a smooth, nutty porridge. It is also the grain used to make injera.
Is teff gluten-free?
Yes, naturally. Some flours are milled alongside wheat, so look for a gluten-free label if your baby needs to avoid gluten.
Is teff high in iron?
Yes, it has more iron than many common grains. Serving it with vitamin C rich fruit, like strawberries or orange, helps your baby absorb it.
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).