You can introduce AFTER first finger foods

Picture this…

You’ve just started weaning, and bread seems like an easy finger food. You head to the shop, only to be faced with a wall of options—wholemeal, white, sourdough, seeded, sliced—and suddenly, it feels overwhelming.

The only thing more complicated than choosing bread might be picking a yoghurt! 

Then come the questions: “Which type is best? How should I serve it?” 

Over the years, I’ve helped many parents answer these questions, and I can assure you that bread after reading this blog you’ll feel confident in how to choose bread for your baby.

When Can Babies Eat Bread?

Babies can typically start eating bread when they begin weaning, around six months. At this stage, they are developmentally ready to handle a variety of textures. Bread can be offered in soldiers (adult finger-sized strips) AFTER introducing first finger foods like cooked carrot sticks or spears of ripe banana. However, ensure you select the right type and serve it safely.

READ MORE: Signs your baby is ready for weaning: 3 easy things to watch out for

What Nutrition Does Bread Contain for My Baby?

A common misconception I hear from parents is that white bread has no nutrients. This idea is often perpetuated online, but it’s not true—white bread can still provide essential energy and nutrients especially when fortified.

Bread can contribute valuable nutrients to your baby’s diet. Depending on the type, bread may provide:

• Energy: A good source of carbohydrates, essential for your baby’s growing energy needs.
• B Vitamins: Found in many breads, particularly wholemeal, these support energy production and overall development.
• Calcium: Some breads are fortified with calcium, essential for healthy bone growth.
• Iron: Fortified bread can contribute to your baby’s iron intake, which is crucial for cognitive development and preventing anaemia.
• Fibre: In wholemeal bread, fibre supports healthy digestion, though high-fibre options should be limited for babies under 12 months.

Bread can support your baby’s overall nutrition, especially by pairing it with nutrient-rich toppings.

The Role of Bread in a Balanced Diet

Bread is just one component of a balanced diet during weaning. Use it as part of the “rule of three” to plan meals:

1. Iron-rich food: Meat, fish, tofu, beans or lentils.
2. Energy-Rich Food: Like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, yoghurt, cheese.
3. Fruit or Veg: To add colour and nutrients

Use the simple ‘Rule of Three’ to plan meals. iron + energy + fruit/veg

How to Cut Bread for a 6-Month-Old

Bread may be introduced when your baby is ready to start solids, generally around six months. Keep in mind the following tips for cutting and serving bread safely:

• Choose bread that holds its shape: Start with resistive pieces of bread, like a strip of toast the size of two adult fingers pressed together or the heel cut off from a crusty loaf of bread. These are easier for babies to handle and chew.
• Avoid Soft Sliced Bread: Soft, sliced bread tends to glue up in the mouth and can form a sticky mass that babies may struggle with. It can also cling to the roof of the mouth, making it difficult to expel.
• Watch for Choking Hazards: Avoid breads with large seeds or dried fruits baked into them, as these pose an increased choking risk for babies.
• Honey-Free: Do not offer bread made with honey to babies under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.
• Allergen Introduction: Bread may contain multiple common allergens, including wheat, dairy, soya, egg and sesame. It’s best to introduce allergens individually to assess tolerance. These allergens should be listed on the food label. 
• Pincer Grasp Development: Once your baby’s pincer grasp forms, you can offer small torn pieces of bread to encourage self-feeding, but feel free to continue offering larger pieces to practice biting and tearing. If your baby shoves too many pieces of bread in the mouth, offer one piece at a time.

DON’T FORGET TO READ: Get weaning off to a great start with my Complete Guide to Your Baby’s Weaning Journey

Wheat Baby: Understanding Wheat as a Potential Allergen

Wheat is among the top eight food allergens; some parents may be concerned about introducing it during weaning. However, evidence shows that introducing allergens like wheat early (from six months onward) can reduce the risk of developing allergies.

Signs of Wheat Allergy

A wheat allergy can present with symptoms such as:

• Hives or a skin rash
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Nasal congestion or wheezing

Wheat allergy is relatively rare but still affects 3-5 children in every 1,000 in Europe, with cases most commonly seen in infants and preschool children.

Reactions can be categorised as immediate or delayed:

• Immediate Reactions: These occur within minutes of exposure and may include an itchy rash (hives), swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, runny nose, or itchy eyes. Severe reactions, while less common, can involve difficulty breathing (wheezing or throat swelling) or feeling faint. Some individuals may experience symptoms only after vigorous exercise, known as exercise-induced wheat-associated allergy.
• Delayed Reactions: These occur several hours after eating wheat and can include tummy pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and worsening of eczema.

If you suspect your baby may have a wheat allergy, consult your GP or a dietitian for advice. It’s important to distinguish between a wheat allergy and coeliac disease, as they require different management strategies.

READ MORE: Step-by-step guide to introducing potential food allergens during weaning

Gluten for babies: What You Need to Know

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While most babies tolerate gluten without issue, it is important to introduce it early to minimise the risk of coeliac disease.

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease in Babies

Babies with coeliac disease will not show symptoms until they have started eating gluten, usually around six months of age. If a baby does have coeliac disease, they may experience:

• Diarrhoea or loose, pale stools
• Vomiting
• Anaemia
• Crankiness and difficulty being soothed
• A bloated belly
• Lethargy or low-energy
• Wasted buttocks in severe cases

Reference: Coeliac Society of Ireland

Coeliac Disease vs. Wheat Allergy

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by an abnormal reaction to gluten, whereas a wheat allergy is an allergic response to proteins in wheat. Both conditions require avoiding wheat, but people with coeliac disease must also avoid barley and rye due to their gluten content.

Genetic Component of Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is a genetic condition and often runs in families. If a close family member (sibling, parent, or child) has coeliac disease, there is a 1 in 10 chance that another family member will also have it. However, this should not affect weaning. Babies at higher risk can be weaned following standard weaning guidelines. Studies show that delaying gluten introduction does not lower the risk of developing celiac disease. Current guidelines recommend introducing gluten between 4 and 12 months (from 17 weeks onward). However, generally, after six months, weaning typically starts at around six months.

Introducing Gluten

Start with small amounts of gluten-containing foods, such as bread or Weetabix, around six months of age. Monitor for signs of coeliac disease, which can include:

• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• Poor weight gain or growth
• Irritability or fatigue

Then, gradually increase the amounts of these foods you are offering.

READ MORE: When (and how) to introduce gluten to your baby?

Introducing gluten is important in helping to prevent coeliac disease

Choosing the Best Bread for Babies

When selecting bread for your baby, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

White vs. Wholegrain

While wholegrain or brown bread is generally more nutritious, offering a mix of white and wholegrain bread for babies under 12 months is best. High-fibre options can be too filling, reducing their appetite for other nutrient-rich foods. Look for wholemeal bread that balances fibre and added nutrients like calcium and iron.

• Best Choice: Look for wholemeal or soft white bread with added nutrients like calcium and iron e.g. Hovis Best of Both Bread, Brennans Superbread, Lidl Best of Both
• Moderation: Serve wholegrain bread in small amounts to avoid overwhelming your baby’s digestive system.

Salt Content

Babies’ kidneys aren’t mature enough to process large amounts of salt, so opt for bread with minimal salt content. Many supermarket brands now offer low-salt options.

The Irish Heart Foundation provides a helpful food labelling guide for salt:

• Low Salt: 0.3g or less per 100g.
• Medium Salt: Between 0.3g and 1.5g per 100g.
• High Salt: More than 1.5g per 100g.

When choosing bread for your baby, aim for options labelled as low in salt to ensure it’s safe for their developing kidneys.

READ MORE: Clear Facts About ‘When Can Babies Have Salt?’ (from a Registered Dietitian)

Despite what you see on social media, packaged bread isn’t BAD!

Artisan breads can be doughy and also higher in salt

Addressing Concerns About Emulsifiers and Additives

There has been increasing concern over emulsifiers and other additives in bread, with claims that they may impact gut health. However, it’s essential to separate fact from fear:

• Current Evidence: Research on emulsifiers’ effects on gut health is limited and primarily based on animal studies. There is no conclusive evidence that the small amounts found in bread harm humans, including babies.
• Practical Advice: If you prefer to avoid emulsifiers, consider baking your bread or choosing artisanal brands with minimal ingredients (however, these are often higher in salt!).
• Focus on Balance: Rather than fixating on additives, offer shop-bought bread alongside various other minimally processed foods.

LEARN MORE: What are emulsifiers and what are common examples used in food?

Bread as a Vehicle for Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is a crucial nutrient during weaning, and bread can be a great way to serve iron-rich toppings or spreads. Some ideas include:

• Hummus: Rich in iron and easy to spread on bread.
• Mashed Beans or Lentils: Another excellent plant-based source of iron.
• Nut butter: Once your baby has been safely introduced to peanut butter and other nut butter, you can spread them on toast. Nut butters are highly nutritious, providing good protein, iron, calcium, healthy fats, and fibre sources. A thin spread only as even smooth nut butter can be a choking hazard if spread too thickly
• Soft Cheese or Egg: A simple way to add protein and iron to your baby’s diet.
• Tinned fish: Mix some tinned salmon/mackerel with Greek Yoghurt and use as a fish spread. It’s a great way to get in these oily fish.

For more iron-rich food ideas, head to Iron Rich Foods for Babies.

Salt content of bread is around 1g per 100g, but it differs slightly between products

Should I Butter Toast for a 6-Month-Old?

Yes, you can butter toast for a 6-month-old, but use unsalted butter sparingly to avoid adding unnecessary salt to their diet. Butter can make the toast easier to chew and swallow while introducing your baby to new flavours and textures. 

Best Brand of Bread for Babies

I’m often asked which brand of bread is best for babies. As a dietitian, I can’t recommend specific brands, but I can reassure you that all brands have good options. You don’t need to stick with one type—branded and supermarket own-label breads are often comparable, and in some cases, supermarket brands may even be better overall.

What About Soda Bread or Porridge Bread?

Soda bread and porridge bread can be nutritious options for older babies confident with self-feeding. However, they may not be as ideal as early finger foods due to their crumbly texture, making them difficult to pick up. Additionally, these breads often clump together into doughy balls in a baby’s mouth, which can be challenging for younger babies to manage.

Practical Tips for Including Bread in Your Baby’s Diet

• Start Simple: Begin with plain bread, avoiding those with seeds, nuts, or sugary toppings.
• Introduce Variety: Offer different types of bread over time, such as bagels, pita bread, or toasting muffins, to expose your baby to various textures and tastes.
• Make It a Meal: Pair bread with balanced toppings that include an iron-rich food, a source of healthy fats, and a vegetable or fruit.

Final Thoughts

Bread can be nutritious and versatile to your baby’s diet when introduced safely and with the knowledge you now have. You can make bread a valuable part of your baby’s weaning journey by choosing lower-salt options, being mindful of allergens, and pairing bread with nutrient-rich toppings. As always, trust your instincts and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about introducing bread or other foods to your baby.

Free Download: 9 Iron-Rich Foods Tip Sheet

Because iron is so essential for babies, I’ve created a free downloadable checklist that lists 9 iron-rich foods for babies and simple serving suggestions. You’ll get the checklist, plus join my weekly newsletter! Just click here to get it and subscribe.  Whether spoon-feeding, baby-led weaning, or doing a bit of both, this tip sheet will help make meal planning less stressful. Keep it on your fridge for easy reference!