Cloves for Babies

Complete guide on how to prepare and serve cloves to your baby, by age.

Antioxidant-RichImmune-SupportiveAnti-InflammatorySupports Digestion

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Very Low (1/5)

Choking Hazard

High (4/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Cloves to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

Whole cloves are a serious choking hazard and should never be served as is. For this age, use only a small pinch of ground clove as a spice in purees or cooked dishes to lightly flavor foods. Ensure the ground clove is thoroughly mixed and not clumped. Do not offer whole or even partially ground cloves, as even small pieces can be difficult to manage for early eaters.

Serving Instructions

For babies starting solids, introduce cloves only as a seasoning and never whole. Mix a tiny pinch of ground clove (no more than 0.1g or 1/32 tsp) into fruit or vegetable purées, never exceeding this amount. Always pair with other foods like iron-rich meats, vitamin C-rich fruits and starches for a balanced meal. Avoid spicy or strongly flavored dishes. Observe for any signs of irritation or allergy.

How to Serve Cloves to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

Continue to avoid whole or even cracked cloves, as they remain a severe choking risk. At this stage, use only ground clove in baked goods, stews, or compotes, making sure to use it sparingly due to its strong flavor. A pinch (about 0.1g or 1/32 tsp) per meal is sufficient. Always ensure the clove is fully incorporated. Never allow your child to chew or suck on a clove, even for teething.

Serving Instructions

At this age, cloves remain a spice for flavor only and should never be served whole. Use a pinch (up to 0.1g or 1/32 tsp) of ground clove per meal, blending it into baked goods, compotes, or stews. Combine with vitamin-rich vegetables, grains, and proteins for a diverse plate. Avoid anything spicy or with strong, sharp flavors. Always monitor for allergic or digestive reactions.

How to Serve Cloves to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

Do not offer whole or cracked cloves to children under four years, as the risk of choking remains significant. For toddlers, only use ground cloves in family-style dishes or baked goods, maintaining small portions (a pinch, about 0.1g or 1/32 tsp per meal). You can introduce subtle flavors in soups, stews, or desserts, ensuring clove is always included as a spice, never as a whole item. Always ensure even mixing and never let your child bite into a whole clove.

Serving Instructions

For toddlers, continue to offer cloves only as a ground seasoning, never whole. Use a pinch (approx. 0.1g or 1/32 tsp) per meal in family dishes like stews, baked goods, or desserts. Balance the meal with iron, protein, and fresh fruits or veggies for optimal nutrition. Avoid strong flavors and always watch for any intolerance. Whole cloves should still not be given to children under four years.