Vanilla
Usually introduced around 6 months
Prep warning
Vanilla is a flavoring used in tiny amounts, not a food on its own, so a few drops or a small scrape of seeds is plenty. Most vanilla extract is made with alcohol; using it in baked or cooked dishes lets the alcohol cook off, or you can choose an alcohol-free vanilla or vanilla bean for foods that are not heated. Pick a plain vanilla with no added sugar where you can.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
A drop of vanilla or a little scrape of vanilla bean adds gentle flavor to foods like oatmeal, yogurt, or fruit and vegetable purées. Use just a small amount. If you reach for extract, stir it into something that gets cooked or baked so any alcohol cooks away, or use a vanilla bean for foods served without heating.
A drop or a small scrape of bean stirred into a food, not served on its own.
9-12 months
Vanilla continues to be a nice way to flavor plain foods gently, from yogurt and porridge to homemade purées and soft baked goods. Keep the amount tiny. When using extract in something uncooked, prefer an alcohol-free vanilla, and keep added sugar out of whatever you are flavoring.
A tiny amount stirred into food; alcohol-free vanilla for uncooked dishes.
12-18 months
Vanilla keeps adding gentle flavor to family foods like yogurt, oatmeal, soft baked goods, and homemade desserts. A tiny amount is still all you need. The natural sweetness vanilla suggests means there is no need to add sugar, so lean on the vanilla itself to make plain foods more appealing.
A tiny amount stirred into family foods; let the vanilla flavor replace added sugar.
Common questions
When can my baby eat Vanilla?
Most babies can try Vanilla 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 Vanilla and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.