Grains Food Library
When can babies have matzah?
Can babies have matzah?
Babies can have matzah from about 6 months when it is softened, such as soaked into matzah brei or ground into matzah ball soup. Dry matzah is hard and breaks into sharp shards, which is a choking risk for young babies. Most matzah is made from wheat, so introduce it as a wheat allergen.
How to serve matzah by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Soak matzah in breast milk or formula, water or whole cow's milk until very soft, then mash it into a smooth porridge, or cook it with fully set egg into soft matzah brei and mash it finely. Offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Cook soaked matzah with egg into soft matzah brei and cut it into finger-length strips your baby can hold. Soft, tender matzah balls can also be served in large pieces for your baby to squash, or mashed into low-sodium broth.
9–12 months
Offer bite-sized pieces of soft matzah brei or matzah balls for pincer-grasp practice. Thin, unsalted matzah spread with a soft topping and softened by moisture can also work for babies who chew well.
12 months +
Toddlers can have small pieces of plain matzah with a spread like hummus or nut butter, plus family dishes like matzah brei and matzah ball soup. Break dry matzah into small pieces and watch for sharp shards.
Why it’s good
Matzah gives babies carbohydrates for energy, and whole-wheat matzah adds fiber. Matzah is usually low in fat, protein and iron, so pair it with eggs, meat or beans. Matzah is often lower in salt than many crackers, but some varieties include added salt or egg.
Safety notes
- Dry matzah is hard and can break into sharp, crumbly shards. Soften it with liquid or serve it cooked into soft dishes for babies.
- Most matzah is made from wheat. Gluten-free matzah made from other grains or potato is available for children with celiac disease or wheat allergy.
- Egg matzah contains egg, another Top 9 allergen. Check the label before serving.
- Matzah ball soup and store-bought matzah meal mixes can be high in sodium. Make your own with low-sodium broth.
- Matzah is low in fiber unless it is whole wheat, and eating a lot can firm up stools. Offer water and fruits and vegetables alongside it.
Introduce matzah on its own, then keep it in
Matzah is usually made from wheat, one of the Top 9 allergens, and egg matzah also contains egg. Introduce a small amount and watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or wheezing, and keep wheat in the diet once tolerated.
Matzah for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about matzah for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have matzah?
Babies can have matzah from about 6 months when it is softened or cooked into dishes like matzah brei or matzah balls. Dry, hard matzah is better for toddlers with good chewing skills.
Can babies have matzah?
Yes, babies can eat matzah when it is softened so it is not hard and sharp. Matzah contains wheat, so it also works as a way to introduce the wheat allergen.
Is matzah a choking hazard for babies?
Matzah can be a choking hazard because dry matzah is hard and breaks into sharp shards. Softened matzah, matzah brei and tender matzah balls are much safer for babies.
Is matzah a common allergen?
Yes, matzah is a common allergen because most matzah is made from wheat, one of the Top 9 allergens. Egg matzah also contains egg, so read the label.
How do I serve matzah to a 6 month old?
To serve matzah to a 6 month old, soak matzah in breast milk or formula, water or whole cow's milk until very soft and mash it into a smooth porridge, or mash soft, fully cooked matzah brei finely. Offer it on a spoon; finger-length strips of matzah brei can follow at 7–8 months.
Can babies have matzah ball soup?
Yes, babies can have matzah ball soup if the matzah balls are soft and the broth is low in sodium. Mash the matzah ball into the cooled soup at 6 months, and offer large soft pieces from 7–8 months.
Is there gluten-free matzah for babies?
Yes, gluten-free matzah is available and is usually made from oats, potato or other grains. Gluten-free matzah is a good choice for children with celiac disease or a wheat allergy.
Can matzah cause constipation in babies?
Matzah made from white flour is low in fiber and may firm up stools if a baby eats a lot. Choose whole-wheat matzah and offer fruits, vegetables and water to help.
Can babies use matzah for teething?
Dry matzah is not a good teething food because it can break into sharp pieces that are hard to swallow. A chilled teether or a cold, wet washcloth is a safer choice for sore gums.
The takeaway
- Babies can have matzah from about 6 months when it is softened, such as soaked into matzah brei or ground into matzah ball soup.
- Soak matzah in breast milk or formula, water or whole cow's milk until very soft, then mash it into a smooth porridge, or cook it with fully set egg into soft matzah brei and mash it finely.
- 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.