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Learn moreRavioli
Prepared
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
Yes
When can babies have ravioli?
Ravioli may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that ravioli typically contains common allergens, such as dairy, egg, and wheat.
Ravioli are a type of filled pasta originating in Italy. Traditionally made by wrapping thin, egg-based pasta dough around a savory filling, ravioli are typically boiled and served with a sauce or in a warm broth. Common fillings include ricotta and other cheeses, spinach or swiss chard, pureed squash, and ground meats. Today, variations of ravioli are enjoyed globally, available fresh, frozen, or canned.
How to cut ravioli for baby?
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 +:
Offer a whole, large soft ravioli of any shape with a soft, mashable filling (such as ricotta or ground meat) for baby to explore and munch on. Make sure the ravioli is large enough that baby can't put the whole thing in their mouth at once. Serving the ravioli covered in a bit of sauce can make the food easier for baby to manage in their mouth (although it can also make it more slippery in their hands). Young babies may not have the biting skill needed to pierce the outside dough, and that’s okay. To offer just the filling, scoop out the soft inside (ensuring it contains no large or firm chunks of meat or vegetable) and serve on its own or mixed into another scoopable food. Consider waiting to serve toasted or fried ravioli at this age, due to increased choking risk. Ensure all relevant common allergens have been safely introduced before offering ravioli.
9 months old +:
Offer whole ravioli as long as they are large and soft. Baby may be able to tear open or take bites of the outside dough more easily at this age. It is normal to see baby spit out pieces of the dough as they practice managing the texture. Alternatively, serve the ravioli cut into bite-sized pieces for baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also serve smaller ravioli like raviolini as finger food at this age. Ensure any fillings that are springy, slippery, or firm are finely chopped or thoroughly mashed.
12 months old +:
Serve whole, soft ravioli for the child to practice tearing and biting, or with an age-appropriate fork for utensil practice. The size, shape, and texture of ravioli makes them great for practicing these skills. You can also serve ravioli cut into bite-sized pieces, halves, or quarters. Continue to make sure that any fillings that pose an increased choking risk are mashed or finely chopped.
18 months old +:
At this age, as long as the child has molars and ample practice with chewable foods, you can likely offer toasted or fried ravioli. Model for the child how you take a bite from one ravioli and chew thoroughly before taking another bite. Dipping toasted ravioli in a sauce can make the crunchy outside easier for toddlers to manage the texture.
Are ravioli a choking hazard for babies?
No. Soft, cooked ravioli 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. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve ravioli in an age-appropriate way as described in How to Serve. Note that pasta can cause gagging, especially when served plain, without a sauce. To make it easier to swallow, serve pasta with a sauce, or stir in a bit of oil. 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.
Do ravioli contain common allergens?
Yes. Ravioli often contain dairy, egg, and wheat, which are common food allergens, and may contain other common allergens, depending on the ingredients and filling.
Prior to sharing ravioli with baby, it is important to introduce any relevant common allergens on their own and rule them out as allergies before serving them together in a prepared food. This way, you’ll be able to identify which allergen is responsible if baby has a reaction. Then, when you are ready to offer ravioli, you will be confident that they have already safely eaten any common food allergens in the dish.
Are ravioli healthy for babies?
Yes. The nutritional profile of ravioli depends on the filling and the dough used. They generally offer carbohydrates from the pasta dough for energy, and varying amounts of protein, fat, and fiber depending on whether they are filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. These nutrients provide necessary building blocks for growth and development.
Ravioli and their accompanying sauces can be high in sodium. Sharing meals, even if those meals contain some salt, brings baby into their family food culture as soon as they are ready to start solids, which also has benefits. Family meals are opportunities for baby to explore a wide variety of food, practice eating food with different colors, flavors, and textures, and get comfortable with food that the rest of the family likes to eat.
Can babies eat canned or store-bought ravioli?
Yes, provided they are served in an age-appropriate way. Store-bought, frozen, or canned ravioli can be higher in sodium than homemade versions, but sharing the occasional high-sodium meal is not a cause for concern. Always check the ingredient list for common allergens before serving.
Do babies need special ravioli?
No. Babies can have whatever kind of ravioli the rest of the family is having, as long as it isn’t too firm or crispy. There are lots of products out there marketed as infant ravioli or ravioli specially made for babies, and these are perfectly fine to serve, but not necessary.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
MD, FAAAAI
Kim Grenawitzke
OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT
Venus Kalami
MNSP, RD, CSP
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