Prep warning
Pasta is usually made from wheat, a common allergen, so offer it on its own the first few times. Cook it well past firm, since firm or undercooked pasta is harder to chew. Keep sauces low in salt for babies.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook pasta until very soft, well past al dente, and serve plain or with a smooth, low-salt sauce. Larger soft shapes like penne or fusilli are easy to grab; you can also mash it. Wheat pasta is a common allergen, so offer it on its own first. Enriched pasta adds iron and folate.
Serve large soft shapes whole for grabbing, or mash. Cut long pasta into short pieces so it does not dangle. Keep small shapes lightly mashed.
9-12 months
Soft-cooked small pasta shapes are good for the developing pincer grasp. Keep sauces smooth and low in salt. Whole-wheat pasta adds a little fiber.
Offer small shapes whole or halved, about half an inch. Cut long pasta short.
12-18 months
Most cooked pasta shapes work now as part of family meals, served soft. Keep added salt low. Long pasta can be cut shorter to make it easier to handle.
Serve in bite-size soft pieces. Cut long shapes into shorter lengths.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Wheat is a common allergen. Read Wheat guidance
Meal ideas with Pasta
Common questions
When can my baby eat Pasta?
Most babies can try Pasta from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is Pasta a choking hazard for babies?
Pasta is considered a lower choking-risk food when served in age-appropriate sizes and textures. Follow the cut sizes above and always stay close during meals.
Is Pasta a common allergen?
Pasta contains Wheat, one of the major food allergens. Offer a small amount the first few times and watch for a reaction — see the allergen notes above.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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