Prep warning
Spelt is a type of wheat and contains gluten, so it is not suitable for a wheat-free or gluten-free diet. Offer it on its own first and watch for any reaction.
Choking notes
Whole spelt berries are firm when undercooked. Cook them until soft and mash so no firm whole kernels remain, and keep bread and pasta soft and in small pieces.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Spelt is a type of wheat, so it is naturally an option to log once a few first foods are going well. Cook spelt berries or flakes until very soft, then mash or blend into a thick, smooth porridge. Soft spelt pasta works too. Since wheat is a common allergen, many families offer it on its own first, in a small amount, and wait a few days before trying another new allergen.
Thick smooth porridge by spoon, or finger-width strips of soft spelt pasta. Cook whole berries until soft and mash them so no firm whole kernels remain.
9-12 months
As the pincer grasp develops, offer small soft cooked spelt grains, mashed cooked spelt, or small pieces of soft spelt pasta. Keep everything moist and tender. Avoid whole hard kernels and dry, crumbly textures.
Bite-size soft pieces about ½ inch (1 cm) or smaller. Mash any firmer cooked grains.
12-18 months
Cooked spelt can join family meals: soft spelt grains stirred into a bowl, spelt pasta, or soft bread made with spelt flour, all chopped small. Keep portions moist and avoid hard whole kernels and dense, gummy bread.
Small soft bite-size pieces. Chop bread and pasta small and avoid soft bread squashing into a wad.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Wheat is a common allergen. Read Wheat guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat spelt?
Most babies can try spelt 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.
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