Protein Food Library
When can babies have ham?
Can babies have ham?
Babies can have ham from about 12 months, but most ham is cured, salty and processed, so it is best kept as an occasional food in small amounts. Fresh, uncured ham roasted at home is the better choice for babies. Serve ham finely shredded or minced, never in cubes.
How to serve ham by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Skip cured ham for now: it is salty and processed. Plain fresh pork or chicken, roasted at home with no salt and blended smooth, is a better choice.
7–8 months
Keep skipping cured ham. Finely shred or mince unsalted home-roasted pork or chicken into lumpy mashes instead.
9–12 months
Still skip cured ham before 12 months. Offer small, tender pieces of unsalted home-cooked pork or chicken.
12 months +
Toddlers can have thinly sliced or chopped ham in sandwiches, omelets and pasta. Heat deli ham until steaming, then cool, and keep cured ham as a once-in-a-while food.
Why it’s good
Ham gives babies protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins like thiamine and B12. The iron in meat is easy for the body to absorb. However, cured ham is very high in sodium and processed meats are linked to health risks with frequent use, so fresh pork and other meats are better everyday choices.
Safety notes
- Most ham is cured with salt and nitrites and is high in sodium. Offer it only occasionally, in small amounts, and choose fresh or low-sodium ham when you can.
- Firm cubes and chunks of ham can block the airway. Shred it, mince it or slice it thin.
- Deli ham can carry Listeria. Heat it until steaming hot, then let it cool before serving to babies and toddlers.
- Raw cured hams such as prosciutto and serrano are not cooked, are very salty and are best avoided for babies.
- Cook fresh ham to at least 145 F (63 C) with a rest, and reheat precooked ham to 165 F (74 C) if it was opened or repackaged.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Ham is not a common allergen, though pork allergy and alpha-gal syndrome (a meat allergy linked to tick bites) can occur. Some hams contain added soy, milk or wheat in glazes or brines, so read labels and watch for hives, vomiting or swelling.
Ham for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about ham for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have ham?
Babies can have ham from about 12 months in small, occasional amounts. Fresh, home-roasted ham is a better choice than salty cured or deli ham.
Can babies have ham?
Yes, babies can eat ham, but most ham is high in salt and processed, so it should not be an everyday food. Serve ham finely shredded or minced and choose low-sodium options.
Is ham a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, ham can be a choking hazard when it is served in cubes or chunks. Shredding, mincing or thinly slicing ham makes it safer for babies and toddlers.
Is ham a common allergen?
No, ham is not a common allergen. Pork allergy is uncommon, but some ham glazes and brines contain allergens like soy, milk or wheat, so read the label.
How do I serve ham to a 6 month old?
Cured ham is not recommended for a 6 month old because it is salty and processed. Blend unsalted home-roasted pork or chicken into a smooth puree instead, and wait until about 12 months for ham.
When can babies have deli ham?
Deli ham can be offered occasionally after 12 months, heated until steaming to reduce the risk of Listeria and then cooled. Deli ham is high in sodium, so keep amounts small.
Can babies have prosciutto?
Prosciutto and other raw cured hams are best avoided for babies because they are uncooked and very salty. Wait until your child is older and offer only small tastes.
When can kids have ham sandwiches?
Toddlers can have ham sandwiches from about 12 months when the ham is thinly sliced, heated and cooled, and the sandwich is cut into small strips. Keep ham sandwiches as an occasional meal because of the salt.
The takeaway
- Babies can have ham from about 12 months, but most ham is cured, salty and processed, so it is best kept as an occasional food in small amounts.
- Toddlers can have thinly sliced or chopped ham in sandwiches, omelets and pasta.
- 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)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Preventing Listeria Infection Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Iron Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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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.