Introducing Fall Spices to Your Baby

October 11, 2024

Introducing your little one to new herbs and spices is exciting, especially during the season of Fall! Offering up new flavors for them can stir creativity, while helping to develop their taste palates and giving them a natural boost of antioxidants. There are a variety of herbs and spices associated with the Fall that are safe for your baby to try. Here are some tips and ideas for making that first introduction to new spices a smooth one.

Things To Consider

Most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least six months old before offering herbs and spices. It is always best to check with your baby's care provider if you have any questions or concerns. Be sure to source your herbs and spices from a trusted source and always seek organic options when you can. Be sure to only introduce one spice at a time so that you can be on the lookout for possible allergies or reactions. Also, just a small pinch of each seasoning will do as you do not want to overwhelm their little taste buds! You will want to have a drink readily available for them as well, such as water, formula or breastmilk.

Herbs & Spices To Try

Once your little one is accustomed to eating solid foods, pick one spice at a time to incorporate into their mealtime through purees. Here are a couple easy ways to add them into foods they might already enjoy:

Pumpkin
Add this seasonal favorite into squash or pureed pumpkin! It can also be stirred right into their favorite yogurt.

Cinnamon
Add a pinch to pureed bananas, butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a little extra sweetness.

Nutmeg
Sprink a pinch onto pureed carrots or butternut squash for a nutty flavoring that is comforting during the Fall season.

Ginger
Next time you fix pears, apples or beets for your little one, try adding a little bit of ginger for a touch of flavor.

Cardamom
This spice is similar to ginger. Try adding it to oatmeal.

Turmeric
Try adding this spice to pureed zucchini, carrot or mango for a pop of flavor. This one can be added to sweet foods like fruits, but it is equally as delicious in veggies, too.

Spices To Avoid

Do try to limit any herbs or spices that have a lot of salt in their base. For example, garlic salt is one that should be avoided. Instead, stick to powder based herbs and spices. Additionally, avoid any spicy flavors as it would not be safe for your little one to try any foods with a level heat in flavor.