Grains Food Library
When can babies have croissants?
Can babies have croissants?
Croissants are best saved until about 12 months as an occasional treat. A croissant is high in butter and low in nutrients, and its flaky, doughy layers can clump in a baby's mouth. Croissants contain wheat and milk, and often egg.
How to serve croissants by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Croissants are not a good fit at this age. Offer smooth purees and iron-fortified cereal on a spoon instead, which give much more nutrition than buttery pastry.
7–8 months
Croissants are still not a good fit. Offer lumpier mashes, or soft toast strips with a thin spread like mashed avocado or hummus, which give more nutrition and are easier to manage.
9–12 months
If a croissant is part of a family meal, a small piece of plain croissant is not harmful, but choose toast or other breads for regular meals. Tear it into small, flat pieces and watch for clumping.
12 months +
Toddlers can have a plain croissant now and then, torn into small pieces. Skip chocolate and almond-paste croissants, which add sugar and allergens, and choose whole grain bread for everyday.
Why it’s good
Croissants provide energy from refined flour and butter, with a little protein, but little fiber, iron or vitamins. They are high in saturated fat and often contain some sugar and salt. They work as a treat, not a staple.
Safety notes
- Croissant dough is soft and flaky and can clump into a sticky ball. Tear it into small, flat pieces for toddlers.
- Filled croissants can contain chocolate, sugar, almond paste or salty ham and cheese. Keep these for older children.
- Croissants are rich in butter, so keep them occasional and fill the rest of the day with whole foods.
- Almond croissants contain tree nuts, so make sure tree nuts have been introduced first.
Introduce croissant on its own, then keep it in
Croissants contain wheat and milk, two Top 9 allergens, and many are brushed with egg. Introduce each allergen in a simpler food first, then watch for hives, vomiting or swelling.
Croissants for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about croissants for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have croissants?
Croissants are best from about 12 months as an occasional treat. Before then, lightly toasted bread strips are a better choice.
Can babies have croissants?
Babies can have a small taste of plain croissant at a family meal, but croissants are not recommended as a regular baby food. Croissants are high in butter and low in iron and fiber.
Is a croissant a choking hazard for babies?
A croissant is a medium choking risk because the soft, flaky dough can clump in the mouth. Tear croissants into small, flat pieces and supervise closely.
Is a croissant a common allergen?
Yes, a croissant contains common allergens, including wheat and milk, and often egg. Almond croissants also contain tree nuts.
How do I serve a croissant to a 6 month old?
A croissant is not a good choice for a 6 month old. Offer smooth purees like mashed avocado or iron-fortified cereal on a spoon instead, and save croissants for after 12 months.
Can toddlers eat chocolate croissants?
Toddlers can have a chocolate croissant occasionally, but it is high in sugar and fat. Plain croissants or toast with fruit make a better everyday breakfast.
Are croissants healthy for toddlers?
Croissants are not very nutritious for toddlers because they are mostly refined flour and butter. A croissant can be a treat, served with fruit and yogurt to balance the meal.
Can babies have a ham and cheese croissant?
A ham and cheese croissant is best saved for toddlers over 12 months, and even then only occasionally. Ham and cheese add a lot of sodium, so a plain croissant with fresh fruit or egg is a better choice.
The takeaway
- Croissants are best saved until about 12 months as an occasional treat.
- Toddlers can have a plain croissant now and then, torn into small pieces.
- Choking risk is medium. Wheat 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)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 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.