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Can babies have spices and seasoning?

Updated 2026-08-07 · Source: AAP + CDC · Free · No sign-up

No — spices and seasoning isn't recommended for babies or young children at all. The AAP's instruction for making a baby's food is direct: all fresh foods should be cooked with no added salt or seasoning. The CDC separately says to avoid foods high in salt for young children.
Emergency? Call 911 now if your baby is choking and cannot cry or cough, is struggling to breathe, or has swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or widespread hives after eating. Do not wait to see whether it settles. This tool is a reference, not medical advice.

Spices and seasoning by age

AgeCan they have it?How to serve it
4 monthsNot recommended
6 monthsNot recommended
9 monthsNot recommended
12 monthsNot recommended
18 monthsNot recommended
2 yearsNot recommended

Ages are the usual introduction age from the source, not a target. Readiness matters more than the calendar — and a baby who hasn't started solids isn't ready for any of these foods yet.

Is spices and seasoning a choking hazard?

Spices and seasoning is not on the AAP or CDC choking-hazard lists. That is not the same as no risk: any food can choke a baby if the piece is too big or the wrong shape. Cut it to no larger than half an inch, keep your baby sitting up in a high chair, keep mealtimes calm, and watch them the whole time they are eating.

Allergies and spices and seasoning

Spices and seasoning is not one of the common allergens. Introduce it on its own anyway and wait 3 to 5 days before the next new food, so if your baby does react to something you know what it was.

Watch for diarrhea, rash, vomiting or hives after a new food. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

Worth knowing

That is what the sources say — they address salt and seasoning together and do not give a per-spice verdict, so neither do we. If you want to know about a specific spice, that is a question for your pediatrician.

Where this comes from

Reviewed 2026-08-07 · confidence: medium. This source names spices and seasoning directly.

This page is general guidance from the AAP and CDC — not medical advice, and not a substitute for your pediatrician. General guidance from the AAP and CDC — not medical advice and not a substitute for your pediatrician. Every baby is different. Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days before the next one so you can spot a reaction. Some foods are choking hazards; learn infant CPR. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or a baby who cannot cry or cough.

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FAQ

Can babies have spices and seasoning?

No — spices and seasoning isn't recommended for babies or young children at all. The AAP's instruction for making a baby's food is direct: all fresh foods should be cooked with no added salt or seasoning. The CDC separately says to avoid foods high in salt for young children. That is what the sources say — they address salt and seasoning together and do not give a per-spice verdict, so neither do we. If you want to know about a specific spice, that is a question for your pediatrician.

How do I serve spices and seasoning to a baby?

There is no infant serving form for this one — see the answer above. Cut food for infants and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch. Cut cylindrical foods (hot dogs, sausage, string cheese) into short thin strips — round pieces can get stuck in the airway. Cut small spherical foods (grapes, cherries, berries, tomatoes) into small pieces. Cook hard vegetables and fruit until they mash easily. Remove seeds, hard pits, skin and bones.

Is spices and seasoning a choking hazard for babies?

Spices and seasoning is not on the AAP or CDC choking-hazard lists, but any food can choke a baby if the piece is too big. Cut it to no larger than half an inch, keep your baby sitting up while they eat, and watch them the whole time.

What should I watch for after giving my baby a new food?

Watch for diarrhea, rash, vomiting or hives after a new food. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Offer one single-ingredient new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days before the next one, so a reaction is easy to trace. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

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