Matzah

Matzah, as long as it has been modified to reduce the choking risk, may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Read our age-appropriate serving suggestions to learn how to modify matzah for a child’s age and eating ability.

Matzah is an ancient food with origins in the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. A symbol of hope, humility, and freedom, the unleavened bread plays a key role on the Seder plate at Pesach, the Jewish holiday of Passover, although matzah is also enjoyed at secular meals and other religious holidays throughout the year. While homemade matzah can be soft, most commercially-produced matzah is crispy like a thin cracker. Matzah may be made with wheat, rye, or other grains and ingredients depending on one’s faith and use of the food, and it may be sold as whole crackers or meal—a key feature of knaidel (matzah balls).

Yes. In general, matzah is a great source of carbohydrates and offers a bit of protein. It can also offer varying amounts of fiber, folate, iron, and zinc. Together, these nutrients support baby’s energy needs, growth, digestive health, neurodevelopment, red blood cell formation, taste perception, and immunity.

When shopping for matzah to share with babies, choose products that are free of added salt.

Yes. Matzoh and other cracker-like foods can be challenging for babies and toddlers, have sharp edges that can hurt the mouth and throat, and are often considered choking hazards. To reduce the risk, thoroughly soften the matzah in a baby-friendly liquid or serve dishes made with finely-ground matzah meal. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Yes. Matzah is commonly made with wheat or other glutenous grains such as barley and rye. Some varieties may contain eggs. Prior to sharing matzah with baby, it is important to introduce common food allergens on their own and rule them out as allergens before serving them together in a prepared food. This way, you’ll be able to identify which allergen is responsible if baby has a reaction. Then, when you are ready to offer matzah, you will be confident that they have already safely eaten any common food allergens in the dish.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

No. Matzah is not considered a food that can help babies poop. Most matzah varieties are made from refined flour or other grains with very little fiber which can slow down the processes of digestion and pooping. The end result, especially when eaten in larger quantities, is firmer poop that is more difficult to pass. Note that pooping patterns can vary significantly from child to child. Be sure to talk to your pediatric healthcare provider if you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function.