No. 32 · Nuts & seeds Passport food
When can babies have almonds?
Can babies have almonds?
Babies can have almonds from about 6 months, but only as finely ground almond or smooth almond butter thinned out, never whole or chopped. Almond is a tree nut, one of the Top 9 allergens, so introduce it early on its own and then keep it in the diet a few times a week.
How to serve almonds by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Stir about half a teaspoon of smooth almond butter into warm oatmeal, plain yogurt or a fruit puree until no thick globs remain, or thin it with warm water, breast milk or formula to a runny sauce. You can also sprinkle finely ground almond (almond flour) over smooth foods and offer it all on a spoon. Never offer almond butter straight from a spoon or as a thick spread.
7–8 months
Keep stirring thinned almond butter or ground almond into thicker, lumpier foods like fork-mashed banana, oatmeal or mashed sweet potato. You can also spread almond butter in a thin, see-through layer on a soft strip of pancake or toast for your baby to hold, or roll soft fruit in finely ground almond for grip. Whole, halved and chopped almonds are never safe.
9–12 months
Spread almond butter in a thin, see-through layer on toast fingers or soft pancake strips. Mix finely ground almond into oatmeal, muffins, pancakes or meatballs. Whole, halved and chopped almonds are still off the table.
12 months +
Keep using thin spreads, ground almond in baking, and almond butter mixed into sauces and dips. Thinly shaved almond slices are still hard and risky for toddlers, so wait on whole and chopped almonds until at least age 4, and only then with your child seated and supervised.
Why it’s good
Almonds give babies healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, some protein and a little calcium, all packed into a small amount. Ground almond adds energy and nutrients to fruit, veggies and grains without much volume. Regular early exposure also helps keep tree nut tolerance going once it has been introduced.
Safety notes
- Never serve whole almonds, halves, slivers or chopped pieces to babies or toddlers. They are hard, round and easy to inhale, and whole nuts stay a choking hazard until at least age 4.
- Thick almond butter can stick to the roof of the mouth and form a sticky lump. Always thin it with warm liquid or stir it fully into another food, and never serve it by the spoonful.
- Pick almond butter made from just almonds, with no added sugar or salt and no other nuts, so you know exactly which allergen you are testing.
- Offer almond for the first time on its own at home, early in the day, when you can watch your baby for a couple of hours afterward.
- If your baby has severe eczema or another food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing tree nuts, as they may suggest allergy testing or a supervised first taste.
Introduce almond on its own, then keep it in
Almond is a tree nut, part of the Top 9 food allergens, and tree nut allergy is often lifelong. Watch for hives, swelling of the lips or face, repeated vomiting, coughing or wheezing within about two hours; call 911 for any trouble breathing or sudden floppiness.
Almonds for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about almonds for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have almonds?
Babies can have almonds from about 6 months, once they are ready for solids, as long as the almond is finely ground or served as thinned almond butter. Early, regular exposure to tree nuts like almond may help lower the chance of a tree nut allergy.
Can babies have almonds?
Yes, babies can eat almonds in a safe form: finely ground almond or smooth almond butter thinned with warm liquid or mixed into food. Babies should never be given whole, halved or chopped almonds, which are a serious choking hazard.
Are almonds a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, almonds are a high choking hazard for babies and young children when served whole, chopped or as thick almond butter. Ground almond and well-thinned almond butter are the safe options, and whole nuts should wait until at least age 4.
Are almonds a common allergen?
Yes, almonds are a tree nut, and tree nuts are one of the Top 9 common food allergens. Offer almond on its own the first few times and watch for hives, swelling, vomiting or breathing changes for about two hours.
How do I serve almonds to a 6 month old?
To serve almonds to a 6 month old, stir a small amount of smooth almond butter into warm oatmeal, yogurt or fruit puree until fully blended, or sprinkle finely ground almond over soft food. Almond butter should be runny, not sticky or thick.
Can babies have almond milk?
Almond milk should not replace breast milk or formula for babies under 12 months, though a splash used in cooking or baking is fine. Almond milk is low in protein and calories, so it is not a good main drink for toddlers either unless your pediatrician advises a fortified version for a specific reason.
Is almond flour safe for babies?
Yes, almond flour is safe for babies from about 6 months and is one of the easiest ways to introduce almond. Almond flour can be stirred into oatmeal or yogurt, or baked into soft pancakes and muffins without added sugar.
How often should babies eat almonds after the first taste?
Once almond has been introduced without a reaction, aim to offer almond a few times a week to keep it in your baby's diet. Many allergy experts advise that regular exposure, not one single taste, helps maintain tolerance.
If my baby is allergic to one tree nut, are they allergic to almonds too?
A baby allergic to one tree nut is not automatically allergic to almonds, but cross-reactions between tree nuts are common. Ask your pediatrician or allergist which nuts are safe to try before offering almonds.
When can toddlers eat whole almonds?
Toddlers should not eat whole almonds until at least age 4, and many families wait longer. Even then, a child should be sitting down, eating slowly and supervised, since almonds are a common cause of choking in young children.
The takeaway
- Babies can have almonds from about 6 months, but only as finely ground almond or smooth almond butter thinned out, never whole or chopped.
- Stir about half a teaspoon of smooth almond butter into warm oatmeal, plain yogurt or a fruit puree until no thick globs remain, or thin it with warm water, breast milk or formula to a runny sauce.
- Choking risk is high. Tree nut is one of the Top 9 allergens: offer a small amount first, watch for a reaction, then keep it in the diet regularly.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Peanut Allergy: What to Know About the Latest Prevention Guidelines American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Iron Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS
- The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.