Prep warning
Sesame is a top-9 allergen, so introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction. A thick spoonful of tahini can be hard to swallow, so always thin the paste before serving.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Sesame is one of the top-9 allergens, so introduce it on its own when a few first foods are tolerated and watch for a reaction. The easiest first form is smooth tahini (sesame paste) thinned with water, milk, or puree to a thin, drinkable consistency and stirred into porridge, yogurt, or a vegetable mash. A light sprinkle of finely ground sesame over soft food also works.
Smooth tahini thinned to a thin layer, or finely ground sesame stirred into food. Avoid a thick spoonful of paste.
9-12 months
Keep offering thinned tahini stirred into food or spread in a thin layer on a soft strip of toast, and finely ground sesame mixed into mashes. Once sesame is well tolerated, you can include it regularly. A whole spoon of thick paste is best avoided.
Thinned tahini in a thin layer, or finely ground sesame in food. No thick paste glob.
12-18 months
Sesame can join family meals as thinned tahini in dressings, hummus, or sauces, spread thinly on bread, or as finely ground sesame baked into food. Whole sesame seeds are tiny and low risk, but a thick layer of dense paste is still best thinned.
Thinned tahini, finely ground sesame, or a light scatter of whole seeds in food. Thin any thick paste.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Sesame is a common allergen. Read Sesame guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Sesame?
Most babies can try Sesame from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
Track Sesame and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.