Pasta may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Take care when introducing pasta if you haven’t already introduced egg or wheat into baby’s diet yet, as pasta often contains both egg and wheat, which are common food allergens.   

Need ideas for the best first foods for babies? See our guides.

Pasta or noodles? Both terms refer to unleavened dough made of starch and liquid, formed into any number of shapes, boiled quickly, and flavored with sauce and spice. The word “pasta” comes from Italy, while the term “noodles” is used interchangeably by some to describe not only pasta, but mian, ramen, soba, udon, and other dishes made in East Asia since ancient times. So, where was this beloved comfort food invented? It’s a hot debate—but no matter the term, one fact is clear: pasta and noodles are now international staple foods. From koshari (macaroni and lentils) in Egypt, seviyan kheer (noodle pudding) in India, sopa de fideo (noodle soup) in Mexico, and the classic spaghetti Bolognese of Italy, pasta has found a place in nearly every food culture.

Yes—with some types offering more nutrition than others. Generally pasta made from legume flour (black bean pasta, chickpea pasta, lentil pasta) is more nutrient-dense than pasta made from rice and wheat flours. Enriched pasta will also offer even more nutrients like iron and some B vitamins.  All pasta, no matter the type, offers ample carbohydrates to energize a baby’s growing body, and when it is served as part of a well-balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, pasta can be a perfectly healthy addition to a baby’s meal.

The following is a table of common pastas and their nutritional value by key ingredients, using data from USDA’s FoodData Central unless otherwise specified, accessed February 4, 2021.

* Some alternative pastas are blended with other ingredients such as egg or wheat flour. Always read the ingredient list and safely introduce any common allergens like egg and wheat before serving pasta to baby.

No. Pasta is not a common choking hazard, though it can cause a fair amount of gagging, especially when served plain, without a sauce. To make it easier to swallow, serve pasta with a sauce, or simply drizzle a bit of oil on top and consider offering large pasta shapes if baby is just starting solids. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment, stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals, and check out the age-appropriate serving suggestions. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Yes. Pasta and noodles often contain egg and wheat, which are common food allergens.    Read the fine print on the product label before serving, and ideally, wait to serve pasta after egg and wheat have been introduced and any allergies ruled out. Have a wheat or egg allergy on your hands already? There is hope. 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 pasta 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.