Herbs & spices Food Library
When can babies have cloves?
Can babies have cloves?
Babies can have ground cloves from about 6 months, as a tiny pinch mixed into food. Whole cloves are hard, sharp and a choking hazard, so remove them from any dish before serving. Never use clove oil on a baby's gums for teething.
How to serve cloves by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Mix a very small pinch of ground cloves into a large batch of smooth applesauce, pear puree, sweet potato puree or iron-fortified cereal, and offer it on a spoon. Cloves are strong, so a little goes a long way.
7–8 months
Use a tiny pinch of ground cloves in thicker, lumpier foods like fork-mashed baked apple or pear, oatmeal or mashed lentils. Soft spiced fruit that squashes easily, such as a baked pear wedge, works too, as long as no whole cloves are in the dish.
9–12 months
Keep using ground cloves as a warm spice in baked fruit, pancakes, stews and rice dishes. If you cook with whole cloves for flavor, count them in and count them out so none end up on your baby's plate.
12 months +
Toddlers can have ground cloves in spiced breads, curries, mulled fruit and holiday dishes. Keep removing whole cloves, and remove studded cloves from ham or oranges before serving.
Why it’s good
Cloves are used in such small amounts that they add flavor rather than nutrients. They contain manganese and antioxidants, but the main benefit for babies is learning to enjoy warm, aromatic spices. Cloves can add sweet-smelling flavor to fruit and grains without sugar.
Safety notes
- Whole cloves are hard, woody and pointed and can lodge in the throat. Remove every whole clove from food before serving babies and toddlers.
- Never put clove oil on a baby's gums or give it by mouth. Clove oil is highly concentrated, and swallowing it can cause serious harm, including liver damage, in young children.
- Use ground cloves sparingly. Too much can numb or irritate the mouth and make food taste bitter.
- Keep essential oils, including clove oil, locked away from children. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) if your child swallows any.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Cloves are not a common food allergen, though spice allergies can happen. Watch for hives, swelling, vomiting or wheezing after first tastes, and note that a red mouth may be irritation from the strong spice.
Cloves for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about cloves for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have cloves?
Babies can have ground cloves from about 6 months, as a tiny pinch mixed into food. Whole cloves should always be removed from dishes before serving because they are a choking hazard.
Can babies have cloves?
Yes, babies can eat ground cloves in the small amounts used for seasoning. Babies should not eat whole cloves, and clove oil should never be given to babies.
Are cloves a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, whole cloves are a choking hazard because they are small, hard and pointed. Ground cloves mixed into food are low risk, so remove all whole cloves from dishes before serving.
Are cloves a common allergen?
No, cloves are not a common allergen and are not one of the Top 9 food allergens. Spice allergies are uncommon but possible, so watch for hives, swelling or vomiting.
How do I serve cloves to a 6 month old?
To serve cloves to a 6 month old, stir a tiny pinch of ground cloves into a soft food like applesauce, mashed sweet potato or oatmeal. Use much less than you would of cinnamon, since cloves are very strong.
Can I use clove oil for my baby's teething pain?
No, do not use clove oil for teething pain. Clove oil is concentrated and can be toxic to babies if swallowed, so try a chilled teething ring or gentle gum massage instead and ask your pediatrician about pain relief.
What do I do if my baby swallowed a whole clove?
If your baby swallowed a whole clove and is breathing, coughing and acting normally, watch closely and call your pediatrician for advice. If your baby is choking, cannot breathe, cry or cough, call 911 and start infant choking first aid.
Are cloves safe in baked goods for toddlers?
Ground cloves in baked goods like spice cake or gingerbread are safe for toddlers. Holiday treats are often high in sugar, though, so keep them occasional and offer small portions.
The takeaway
- Babies can have ground cloves from about 6 months, as a tiny pinch mixed into food.
- Mix a very small pinch of ground cloves into a large batch of smooth applesauce, pear puree, sweet potato puree or iron-fortified cereal, and offer it on a spoon.
- Choking risk is medium. Not a Top 9 allergen, but offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
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)
Track every new food in your baby’s passport
Track the first 100 foods and the Top 9 allergens. 7 days free.
More herbs and spices for babies
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.