Noodles
Prepared
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
Yes
When can babies eat noodles?
Noodles may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that some noodles may contain common food allergens such as egg and wheat, so make sure that these allergens have been introduced safely and read labels carefully.
Where do noodles come from?
Noodles include mian, ramen, soba, udon, and other preparations made in East Asia since ancient times. Like pasta, noodles are unleavened dough made of starch and liquid, typically formed into long, thin strips, and then boiled quickly and flavored with sauce. With thousands of years of history and a worldwide presence, it’s no wonder that noodles can be made of countless ingredients and show up in limitless dishes. Noodles can be made with acorn meal, buckwheat, egg, kudzu, mung bean, kelp, rice, wheat and much more, and they form the hearty foundation of dishes from noodle soups to salads to stir fries.
How do you prepare noodles for babies with baby-led weaning?
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 +:
You can serve cooked noodles without modification, just know that they can elicit a strong gag reflex. Offering the noodles in a bowl (instead of directly on the tray or table) can help the child scoop up the food. Chopping noodles into sections no longer than a few inches (up to 8 cm) or coating the noodles in a sauce or a bit of cooking oil can help reduce gagging and make the pieces of food easier for baby to manage in the mouth.
12 months old +:
At this age, toddlers may be more adept at working with long noodles of various kinds without any modifications, although you can certainly continue to cut the noodles into smaller strands as needed. Model how to pick up noodles with a fork or chopsticks, then let the toddler try with an age-appropriate utensil. Don’t worry if the child still prefers to scoop noodles with their hands: consistent and accurate utensil use tends to come sometime after 24 months of age.
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Are noodles a common choking hazard for babies?
No. Cooked noodles present a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. Note that noodles can cause a fair amount of gagging, especially when served plain, without a sauce, as they tend to stick. To make them easier to manage in the mouth, serve noodles with a sauce or toss them in a bit of oil. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.
Do noodles contain common allergens?
They can. Depending on the type, noodles may contain egg, wheat, or other common food allergens. Read the product label before serving noodles to baby, and ideally, wait to serve noodles until any relevant food allergies have been ruled out. Have a wheat or egg allergy on your hands already? Studies show about 80% of children outgrow egg allergy around school age, and wheat allergies are often outgrown by adolescence.
As you would do with any new allergen, introduce noodles by serving a small quantity and watch closely. If there is no adverse reaction during the first few servings, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.
Are noodles healthy for babies?
Yes—with some types offering more nutrition than others. Generally, most types of noodles offer ample carbohydrates to energize a baby’s growing body, and when made from whole grains, also offer fiber to support baby’s gut microbiome. Enriched noodles or noodles made from legumes have important nutrients like iron and certain B vitamins, like folate to support healthy blood and overall development.
Can noodles help babies poop?
It depends on the variety. Fiber-rich noodles can help babies poop because they contain soluble and insoluble fibers that help support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines for healthy digestion and bowel movements. On the other hand, noodles with no or very little fiber can slow the processes of digestion and pooping. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.
Our Team
By
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
K. Tatiana Maldonado
Speech-language pathologist, feeding & swallowing specialist
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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