Drinks & extras Food Library
When can babies have hemp milk?
Can babies have hemp milk?
Babies can have a splash of hemp milk in cooking from about 6 months, but hemp milk should not be a drink before 12 months. Even after 12 months, hemp milk is low in protein and is not recommended as a toddler's main milk unless a pediatrician or dietitian helps plan the rest of the diet. Hemp is not a Top 9 allergen.
How to serve hemp milk by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Do not offer hemp milk as a drink; breast milk or formula stays the main milk. A small splash of unsweetened hemp milk can be stirred into oatmeal or a smooth puree.
7–8 months
Still no hemp milk as a drink. Use a splash of unsweetened hemp milk in thicker porridge, lumpier mashes or soft baked foods like pancakes, while breast milk or formula stays the main milk.
9–12 months
Keep breast milk or formula as the main drink. Unsweetened hemp milk can go into pancakes, muffins or smoothies in small amounts.
12 months +
Hemp milk can be an occasional drink or a cooking ingredient for toddlers. If your child cannot have cow's milk, fortified soy milk is usually a better main milk, so talk to your pediatrician.
Why it’s good
Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds and water and contains some healthy fats, including omega-3s. It is low in protein compared with cow's milk or soy milk, and most nutrients like calcium and vitamin D depend on fortification. It is not a complete replacement for dairy or soy milk.
Safety notes
- Do not use hemp milk as a replacement for breast milk or formula before 12 months.
- Hemp milk is low in protein. Toddlers who drink it instead of cow's or soy milk need protein from other foods, so plan with your pediatrician or a dietitian.
- Choose unsweetened hemp milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D, and avoid flavored versions with added sugar.
- Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds, which contain only trace amounts of THC. Buy from reputable brands sold as food.
- Keep total milk for toddlers to about 16 to 24 ounces a day so there is room for iron-rich foods.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Hemp is not one of the Top 9 allergens, and hemp seed allergy is uncommon. Some hemp milks are made in facilities that also process nuts or soy, so check labels if your child has a food allergy.
Hemp milk for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about hemp milk for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have hemp milk?
Babies can have hemp milk in small amounts in cooking from about 6 months, and as an occasional drink after 12 months. Hemp milk is not recommended as a toddler's main milk because it is low in protein.
Can babies drink hemp milk?
Babies under 12 months should not drink hemp milk instead of breast milk or formula. After 12 months, hemp milk can be an occasional drink but not the main milk without a pediatrician's input.
Is hemp milk a choking hazard for babies?
Hemp milk is a liquid and is a low choking risk. Serve hemp milk in an open or straw cup with your child seated upright.
Is hemp milk a common allergen?
Hemp milk is not a common allergen and is not one of the Top 9. Some brands are made in shared facilities with nuts or soy, so check labels if your child has allergies.
How do I serve hemp milk to a 6 month old?
Hemp milk should not be served to a 6 month old as a drink. A splash of unsweetened hemp milk can be mixed into oatmeal or baked goods, while breast milk or formula stays the main milk.
Does hemp milk contain THC?
Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds, which contain only trace amounts of THC, and food-grade hemp milk does not cause a high. Choose hemp milk from reputable food brands.
Is hemp milk good for toddlers with a dairy allergy?
Hemp milk is low in protein, so it is not the best main milk for toddlers with a dairy allergy. Fortified soy milk is usually recommended first, and a dietitian can help plan other options.
Is hemp milk healthier than cow's milk for toddlers?
Hemp milk is not healthier than cow's milk for toddlers. Hemp milk offers some omega-3 fats but has much less protein, and whole cow's milk is the standard choice after 12 months.
The takeaway
- Babies can have a splash of hemp milk in cooking from about 6 months, but hemp milk should not be a drink before 12 months.
- Hemp milk can be an occasional drink or a cooking ingredient for toddlers.
- Choking risk is low. 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
- Recommended Drinks for Young Children Ages 0-5 American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS
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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.