Herbs & spices Food Library
When can babies have nutmeg?
Can babies have nutmeg?
Babies can have ground nutmeg from about 6 months as a tiny pinch cooked into food. Nutmeg is safe in normal cooking amounts but can be toxic in large amounts, so never let a baby or toddler eat it by the spoonful. Whole nutmeg is a choking hazard and should be kept out of reach.
How to serve nutmeg by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Stir a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg into smooth mashed sweet potato, pumpkin, oatmeal, applesauce or a creamy vegetable puree, and offer it on a spoon. A pinch is plenty to flavor a whole batch.
7–8 months
Keep adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg to thicker, lumpier mashes, oatmeal or soft scrambled egg. It also works in soft foods your baby can hold, like a soft banana pancake or a roasted squash wedge.
9–12 months
Add a pinch of nutmeg to scrambled eggs, cheese sauces, spinach or banana pancakes. Keep using small amounts mixed into food.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat family foods seasoned with nutmeg, like baked oatmeal, muffins and white sauces. Keep sugary baked goods and eggnog-type drinks occasional.
Why it’s good
Nutmeg is used in tiny amounts, so it adds flavor rather than nutrition. Warm spices like nutmeg can make vegetables and cereals more interesting without adding salt or sugar. Early exposure to a range of flavors may help babies accept more foods.
Safety notes
- Use ground nutmeg in pinches only. Large amounts, roughly a teaspoon or more for a small child, can cause nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion and other symptoms. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) if a child eats a lot.
- Whole nutmeg seeds are hard and round and are a choking hazard. Store whole nutmeg, graters and spice jars out of reach of toddlers.
- Do not give babies nutmeg essential oil or use nutmeg as a home remedy for sleep, teething or tummy troubles.
- Choose plain ground nutmeg. Pumpkin spice and other blends can contain sugar.
- Ground spices can occasionally be contaminated. Buy from reputable brands and watch for spice recalls.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Nutmeg is not a common food allergen and is not a tree nut, despite its name. Babies with tree nut allergies can usually eat nutmeg, but ask your allergist if you are unsure, and watch for rare spice reactions such as rash or mouth itching.
Nutmeg for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about nutmeg for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have nutmeg?
Babies can have ground nutmeg from about 6 months in a tiny pinch cooked into food. Nutmeg should only be used as a seasoning, never in large amounts.
Can babies have nutmeg?
Yes, babies can eat nutmeg in normal cooking amounts, such as a pinch in oatmeal or squash. Larger amounts of nutmeg can be toxic, so keep jars out of reach.
Is nutmeg a choking hazard for babies?
Whole nutmeg is a choking hazard for babies because it is hard and round. Finely ground nutmeg mixed into food is a low choking risk.
Is nutmeg a common allergen?
No, nutmeg is not a common allergen. Nutmeg is a seed, not a tree nut, so most children with tree nut allergies can have it.
How do I serve nutmeg to a 6 month old?
To serve nutmeg to a 6 month old, stir a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg into mashed sweet potato, pumpkin or oatmeal. A little nutmeg goes a long way, so start with less than you think.
Is nutmeg toxic to babies?
Nutmeg can be toxic to babies and toddlers in large amounts, such as a spoonful or more eaten at once. The pinch used in cooking is safe, but call Poison Control if your child gets into the nutmeg jar.
Is nutmeg a tree nut?
Nutmeg is not a tree nut. Nutmeg comes from the seed of a tropical evergreen tree and is not considered a nut allergen.
Can I use nutmeg to help my baby sleep?
Nutmeg should not be used to help a baby sleep. Nutmeg has no proven sleep benefit for babies and can be harmful in larger amounts.
The takeaway
- Babies can have ground nutmeg from about 6 months as a tiny pinch cooked into food.
- Stir a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg into smooth mashed sweet potato, pumpkin, oatmeal, applesauce or a creamy vegetable puree, and offer it on a spoon.
- 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)
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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.