
Can be served at 6–18 months when prepared as described below. Fine to serve from 18 months, prepared as described below. Watch for: salt. Low choking and allergen risk.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Prepare with care
Only if made without added salt
The NHS advises against adding salt to baby food or serving salty foods, as infant kidneys cannot process high sodium levels.
You can introduce chili paste to babies from 6 months, provided it is prepared without added salt. Start with a tiny speck thoroughly stirred into purees, stews, or family foods so the flavor remains very mild. Observe how your baby tolerates the spice, and pair it with cooling foods like yogurt if desired.
Prepare with care
Only if made without added salt
The NHS advises avoiding added salt before 12 months because infant kidneys are still developing; small amounts of salt can be used after 12 months.
If you introduce chili paste between 9 and 18 months, proceed gently and ensure the product contains no added salt if under 12 months. Start with a tiny speck stirred into soups or stews to keep flavors mild, and adjust according to your child's tolerance.
Fine to serve
Suitable at this age with the usual preparation described below.
For toddlers 18 months and older, chili paste can be stirred in small amounts into family meals. Adjust the seasoning to your toddler's preference and avoid offering strong chili paste on its own as a dip.
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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:
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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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