Millet

Grain

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Yes

Common Allergen

a pile of uncooked millet on a gray background ready to be cooked for babies starting solids

When can babies have millet?

Millet may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Millet is one of the oldest grains cultivated by humans. The tiny seeds grow abundantly on cereal grasses that thrive worldwide, particularly in regions of Africa and Asia where the ancient grain is a staple food. There are many varieties to try, including finger millet, fonio, foxtail millet, kodo millet, proso millet, sawa millet, and pearl millet—the most widely available type across the world. In modern times, most of the world’s supply of millet comes from India, where the grain is called bajra, ragi, or other names, depending on the type.

How do you serve millet to babies?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

6 months old +:

Mix cooked millet into a soft, scoopable food like mashed vegetables, stewed greens, raita, or yogurt to help bind the tiny grains together and minimize the mess. Alternatively, use millet to make warm porridges or use cooked millet as a binder in dosa, fritters, meatballs, pancakes, or patties.

9 months old +:

Serve cooked millet on its own or incorporate cooked millet into finger foods such as dosa, fritters, idli, meatballs, or pancakes, and break the food into bite-sized pieces before serving. When serving millet on its own, flattening the grains with the back of a fork can help the rice stick together and make it easier for babies to self-feed. You can also continue offering millet porridge and millet mixed into soft, scoopable foods as well.

12 months old +:

Serve cooked millet alongside savory sauces, stews, and stir-fries. If you press the millet with the back of a fork, it sticks together a bit and can be easier for the child to self-feed. If you like, serve the millet alongside an age-appropriate utensil to encourage practice. If the child is not interested in using a utensil, don’t worry: using utensils can be exhausting for new eaters, and many children toggle back and forth between feeding themselves with their fingers and utensils. Consistent and accurate utensil use will come in due time, typically sometime after 24 months of age.

Videos

Riley, 8 months, eats millet and vegetables.

Malden, 9 months, eats millet porridge.

Riley, 16 months, eats millet.

Is millet a choking hazard for babies?

No. Cooked millet presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve millet in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. Note that loose grains of millet are more likely to scatter in the mouth, which can cause gagging or coughing. If baby is struggling to manage the food, consider mashing the grains with the back of a fork or adding ingredients like broth, coconut milk, or sauce to help the grains stick together. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Is millet a common allergen?

No, millet is not a common allergen. Allergies to millet are rare, but can be severe. Individuals who are allergic to rice may be sensitive to millet. In some cases, individuals with wheat or corn allergies may be sensitive to millet as well, however more research is needed. Fortunately, since millet is gluten-free, it is appropriate for individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity to consume.

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 serving size over future meals.

Is millet healthy for babies?

Yes. All types of millet offer carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, in addition to calcium, folate, vitamin B6, and zinc. It also is rich in antioxidants and offers a dash of iron. Together, these nutrients provide energy to fuel baby’s play and exploration, as well as support digestion, growth, and development. They also support bone density, red blood cells, metabolic processes, taste perception, and more.

Do I need to start solids with purees?

You can if you’d like, but there's no developmental need to start with textureless food. Babies can be served modified versions of what you eat. Use our First Foods Database to find how to safely serve any food.

Does baby need a high chair?

While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.