Grains Food Library
When can babies have naan?
Can babies have naan?
Babies can have plain naan soaked in dal or yogurt and mashed smooth at 6 months, as a lumpier mash at 7–8 months, then as small torn pieces dipped in soft foods from about 9 months. Choose plain naan rather than garlic butter versions, which are higher in salt. Naan is made from wheat, and many recipes also contain milk, yogurt or egg.
How to serve naan by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
At 6 months, soak a little plain naan in dal or yogurt until very soft and mash it smooth, then offer it on a spoon. If you want to share it now, soak a little plain naan in dal or yogurt until very soft and mash it smooth, then offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Naan is soft and doughy and can clump in the mouth, so keep soaking it at this age: tear a little plain naan into dal, mashed vegetables or plain yogurt until very soft, then mash it into a lumpy texture and offer it on a spoon. Soft bread strips that squash easily are a better finger food for now.
9–12 months
Tear naan into small bite-size pieces and serve with soft lentils, chickpeas or curry made without added salt or chili heat. Pieces soaked in sauce are easier to chew.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat naan with family meals, mini naan pizzas or as a wrap. Brush with a little plain butter at home rather than heavily salted garlic butter.
Why it’s good
Naan gives babies carbohydrates for energy and some B vitamins. Naan made with yogurt adds a little protein and calcium. Pair it with lentils, chickpeas, paneer or meat for a meal rich in iron and protein.
Safety notes
- Pick plain naan. Garlic butter, cheese and stuffed naan can be high in salt and fat.
- Soft, thick naan can clump in the mouth. Serve with a moist dip and keep pieces manageable.
- Restaurant naan is often brushed with salted butter, so offer a small piece and focus on homemade or plain store versions.
- Check the label for milk, egg and sesame if your baby has allergies.
Introduce naan on its own, then keep it in
Naan is made from wheat, a Top 9 allergen, and many recipes also use milk, yogurt, ghee or egg. Introduce these allergens on their own first, then watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or wheezing with naan.
Naan for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about naan for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have naan?
Babies can have plain naan soaked in dal or yogurt and mashed from 6 months, and small torn pieces from about 9 months. Naan is a great way to scoop up dal and other soft family foods once your baby is older.
Can babies have naan?
Yes, babies can eat naan bread, soaked and mashed from 6 months and as small soft pieces from about 9 months. Choose plain naan and limit salty garlic butter versions.
Is naan a choking hazard for babies?
Naan is a medium choking risk for babies because soft, doughy bread can clump in the mouth. Soak it in a moist food for younger babies, tear it into small pieces for older babies and supervise closely.
Is naan a common allergen?
Yes, naan is a common allergen because it contains wheat, and often milk, yogurt or egg. Check the ingredients and introduce each allergen on its own first.
How do I serve naan to a 6 month old?
Naan pieces are not for a 6 month old yet. To share naan at 6 months, soak a small piece of plain naan in dal or yogurt until very soft, mash it smooth and offer it on a spoon. Small torn pieces with a dip can follow from about 9 months.
Is garlic naan okay for babies?
Garlic naan is okay for babies in small amounts, but it is often brushed with salted butter. At home, use plain naan and a little unsalted butter with a sprinkle of garlic.
Is naan healthy for babies?
Naan is a fine part of a baby's diet, though it is mostly refined flour. Naan is most nourishing when paired with lentils, beans, vegetables or meat.
Can babies have naan with curry?
Babies can eat naan with curry made without added salt or hot chili. Mild spices like cumin, turmeric and coriander are safe and help babies learn new flavors.
The takeaway
- Babies can have plain naan soaked in dal or yogurt and mashed smooth at 6 months, as a lumpier mash at 7–8 months, then as small torn pieces dipped in soft foods from about 9 months.
- At 6 months, soak a little plain naan in dal or yogurt until very soft and mash it smooth, then offer it on a spoon.
- 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)
- 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.