Nutmeg

Yes, nutmeg is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in amounts typically used in cooking. It’s important to note, however, that nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin, which can lead to neurological, hallucinogenic, respiratory, and other symptoms when consumed in excess, but accidental excess nutmeg intake is extremely rare when consuming it in regular cooking. In cooking, nutmeg is typically used in small amounts that are then spread over multiple portions of a dish, making it fine to serve, even for babies just starting solids. The more realistic risk for babies and toddlers comes from the possibility of accidental exposure, such as an unsupervised toddler getting hold of nutmeg from the spice cabinet. Out of an abundance of caution, keep nutmeg out of reach of children to ensure that a child does not accidentally ingest more than would be safe.

Nutmeg can also come in the form of nutmeg butters, oils, and teas, all of which should be avoided for baby to avoid excessive nutmeg ingestion.

Yes, when used in amounts typical in cooking. Nutmeg offers small amounts of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support baby’s overall health and development.

Nutmeg can also come in the form of nutmeg butter, oil, and tea, all of which should be avoided for baby to avoid excessive nutmeg ingestion.

★Tip: Nutmeg can be purchased as a powder or as an intact seed. For fresher flavor, choose whole seeds and grate only the amount needed for a recipe. The remaining seed may be stored in an airtight container to be used again later.

No, finely ground nutmeg does not pose a high risk of choking. To minimize the risk, sprinkle thinly on or into foods and keep whole nutmeg away from babies and toddlers. 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.

No. Allergies to nutmeg are rare, but have been reported on occasion. If the child has other food allergies, read the label of any spice blend carefully – certain spice blends that feature nutmeg may contain common food allergens, such as nuts or sesame seed.

Even though nutmeg allergy is uncommon, spices can cause symptoms that are similar to allergic reactions. For example, inhaling a puff of powdered nutmeg can irritate the nasal passages and trigger sneezing and coughing due to an irritant response, rather than an allergic reaction. Additionally, nutmeg has been reported to cause contact rashes due to potentially skin-irritating components in the food, as well as contact allergy.


It is common for babies to develop a rash around their mouths after eating foods with spices such as nutmeg. A rash around the mouth after contact with spiced foods is typically just a skin irritation, and is rarely an actual allergic reaction. Spicy foods may also cause or worsen diaper rash. As nutmeg is generally used in very small quantities, the risk of a severe contact rash is low. If your baby has sensitive skin, talk to your baby’s doctor about applying a thin layer of barrier cream or ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face and diaper area before mealtime. This layer of protection will help prevent contact rashes by serving as a barrier between the skin and the potentially irritating components of food.

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. Nutmeg is not generally considered a food that helps with pooping since it is consumed in small amounts in the diet. However, spices like nutmeg help play a role in supporting baby’s rapidly developing gut microbiome (the bacteria and microorganisms in baby’s intestines), which can help with healthy digestion overall. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, check out our page on knowing when to worry about baby’s poop and, as always, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.