Mustard

Condiment

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

a pile of yellowish brown mustard on a white background

When can babies have mustard?

Mustard may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age, as long as it is free of honey, which poses a risk of infant botulism. While mustard can be high in sodium, it is often consumed in small amounts and a taste here and there as part of a varied diet is not a cause for concern.

This page is about mustard as a condiment. See Mustard Seed or Mustard Greens for information about these other foods.

Mustard is a condiment with a spicy kick made from the seeds of the mustard plant. The seeds are ground up to form a paste that is typically seasoned with acids like vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and honey or another sweetener. The mustard plant has long grown worldwide, so many regions have their own beloved take on the condiment, from the spicy karashi mustard of Japan to the sweet fruit mustards of Italy.

How do you serve mustard 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 +:

Spread a little mustard on baby’s food, or mix a bit into dressings or sauces to drizzle onto baby’s meal. When sharing food seasoned with mustard, remember that some mustard varieties are spicier than others, so taste a bit yourself first to gauge the level of heat. You can mix mustard with ingredients like sour cream or yogurt to mellow its flavor, if desired. Avoid mustard that contains honey, which is associated with a risk of infant botulism, and consider waiting to regularly offer mustard as a condiment until after the first birthday.

12 months old +:

Spread the condiment on an age-appropriate food, use mustard in marinades or sauces, or make a dip for age-appropriate foods like savory pancakes, soft pretzels, and meats like chicken drumstick or spare ribs. If serving mustard on a hot dog, make sure to cut and serve the hot dog in an age-appropriate way, as hot dogs are a common choking hazard. Feel free to offer a small cup of the condiment as a dip—just know that, at this age, the child is just as likely to eat or try to drink the mustard on its own.

24 months old +:

Experiment with different varieties of mustard condiments, as desired. Serve the condiment as a seasoning with age-appropriate foods or on the side in a small cup for dipping. At this age, you can also help the child squeeze or spread condiments on their own food, which can help engage toddlers in the meal.

Videos

Anjani, 14 months, dips sweet potato fries in mustard and ketchup.

Kai, 16 months, tries mustard.

Juliet Rose, 19 months, dips a quartered hot dog into mustard and ketchup.

Is mustard a choking hazard for babies?

No. Mustard 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 mustard in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals.

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

Is mustard a common allergen?

No, mustard is not considered a common allergen worldwide (nor in the United States). However, mustard is designated as an allergen of regional importance in Canada, Europe (including the UK), the Gulf States, and a number of Asian countries including Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Russia. In fact, mustard is considered the 4th most common food allergen in France, where it is a common ingredient in cooking. Mustard allergy has been reported to result in a variety of allergic reactions, ranging from rashes to respiratory and severe life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis).

Mustard seed is a part of the cruciferous vegetable family and individuals who are allergic or sensitive to other members of the cruciferous family, such as kale and broccoli, could theoretically be sensitive to mustard seed as well. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to mugwort pollen, may also be sensitive to mustard seed. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

Food that contains mustard may cause a harmless rash around the mouth while baby eats or may cause or worsen diaper rash. Applying a thin layer of barrier ointment (such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm) to baby’s face and bottom before mealtime can help prevent contact rashes.

Mustard as a condiment may contain sulfites, and while sulfites are not a common allergen, certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, may have allergy-like reactions to added sulfites. If sulfites are a concern, avoid ingredients such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite, to name a few.

Is it safe to share mustard with babies?

Yes, as long as it does not contain honey. Honey poses a risk of infant botulism for babies under the age of 12 months. While mustard can be high in sodium, it is often consumed in small amounts and a taste here and there as part of a variety of foods is not a cause for concern.