Arrowroot for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve arrowroot to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Arrowroot in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Arrowroot to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
Arrowroot is usually introduced to babies in a powdered or cooked form, as it’s most often sold as a fine starch or used in baking. At this age, mix arrowroot powder into fruit purees, soups, or porridge to thicken and gently introduce its texture. If using fresh root (rare), steam until very soft, then mash or puree thoroughly. Always avoid offering arrowroot biscuits or cookies to babies under 12 months due to sodium and added sugars.
Serving Instructions
Introduce arrowroot as a gentle, easy-to-digest starch once baby is ready for solids. A serving is typically about 1-2 teaspoons (2–4 grams/0.07–0.14 oz) of arrowroot powder mixed into a fruit or veggie puree, a thin porridge, or soup. Use it to lightly thicken and add starchy calories, not as a primary food. Offer as part of a meal containing a variety of foods, including a source of iron (like lentils or poultry), vitamin C-rich produce, and some healthy fats for optimal balance. Arrowroot is well tolerated, helps ease digestion, and has a very low risk of allergenicity and choking.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Arrowroot to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
Continue using arrowroot powder as a thickener in porridges, smoothies, stews or custards—it can help create smooth, easy-to-eat foods for your little one. You may also introduce soft, homemade arrowroot cookies with minimal sugar and salt after the first birthday, but always break them into small, manageable pieces and supervise closely. Avoid hard, store-bought cookies at this age. If using fresh root, continue steaming and mashing until soft, or finely dice for older toddlers if chewing skills are established.
Serving Instructions
Arrowroot powder can continue to be used to thicken a range of foods for older babies. Offer 1-2 teaspoons (2–4 grams/0.07–0.14 oz) as part of porridge, stew, sauce, or even in baking soft, low-sugar cookies after 12 months. Pair with foods rich in iron (beans, egg, poultry), vitamin C (strawberries, broccoli), and healthy fats for balanced nutrition. If using fresh root, a few small pieces (about 10–15 grams/0.4–0.5 oz) can be mashed or finely diced, but always check texture and avoid lumps. Always supervise, especially as self-feeding skills develop.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Arrowroot to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
At this stage, your toddler can enjoy arrowroot in a wider range of forms. Continue using arrowroot powder in recipes for stews, soups, sauces, or baking. If making homemade cookies, practice breaking them into safe-size pieces. For older toddlers with advanced chewing skills, soft-cooked fresh arrowroot can be served as small cubes or chopped pieces. Always supervise during eating and avoid hard arrowroot products. Arrowroot remains a gentle, easy-to-digest starch suitable for sensitive tummies.
Serving Instructions
Toddlers can enjoy arrowroot in greater variety: 2-3 teaspoons (4–6 grams/0.14–0.21 oz) in soups, sauces, or mixed into baked goods. Pair arrowroot with other starchy foods, lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats for a balanced meal. Homemade cookies made with arrowroot, with low sugar and salt, are appropriate in moderation. For fresh root, a serving is about 20 grams (0.7 oz), cooked until soft and served as cubes. Arrowroot supports gentle digestion and is a safe starch for most young children; continue to supervise all meals.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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