Rice
Usually introduced around 6 months
Prep warning
Cook rice until very soft and serve it without added salt. Rice can carry small amounts of arsenic, so offer a variety of grains rather than rice every day, and do not use rice drinks in place of breast milk, formula, or cow's milk before age 5.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook rice until soft and sticky and let it cool to warm. Serve it as a thick mash or mix it into a vegetable, meat, or fruit purée. Sticky or short-grain rice that clumps is easier for a baby to handle than loose dry grains.
Serve as a thick, sticky mash or blended into a purée. No cutting needed.
9-12 months
Offer soft sticky rice loose for your baby to scoop, or shape cooked rice into small soft balls or patties, on its own or bound with mashed vegetables, egg, or beans, so it is easier to pick up.
Loose sticky grains, or shaped into small soft balls or patties.
12-18 months
Serve rice as part of family meals, mixed into soft vegetables, beans, meat, or sauce. Your toddler can eat it with a spoon or hands. Keep rotating in other grains and keep salt low.
Loose soft grains, mixed into other soft foods. No cutting needed.
Meal ideas with Rice
Common questions
When can my baby eat Rice?
Most babies can try Rice from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is Rice a choking hazard for babies?
Rice 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 Rice a common allergen?
Rice is not one of the major food allergens. Any new food can still cause a reaction, so keep an eye on your baby the first few times.
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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