
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 risk. Moderate allergen risk (3/5).
Last reviewed: October 2026
Prepare with care
Only if made without added salt
The NHS recommends avoiding added salt for babies, as their kidneys are not fully developed to cope with it.
At this age, curry paste should be used only in tiny amounts (no more than a pinch, around 1/8 tsp or less) and thoroughly mixed with other foods like purees, mashed vegetables, or cooked sauces. Do not serve plain or strong-flavored curry paste directly. Choose unsalted, mild versions free from sugar and chili. Pair with iron-rich vegetables, legumes, or poultry for a balanced meal. Watch for reactions, especially if the paste contains shellfish, fish, or nuts. Offer a variety of flavors gradually and observe your baby’s interest in different spices.
Prepare with care
Only if made without added salt
The NHS recommends avoiding added salt under 12 months because babies' kidneys are still developing; from 12 months, toddlers may have small amounts of salt.
You can slowly increase the amount but still keep servings tiny—no more than 1/4 teaspoon (about 1 gram) per dish (for a 100 g/3.5 oz meal). Thoroughly mix with well-cooked foods like stews, soups, or mild curries. Opt for mild, unsalted curry pastes free from added sugar or chili. Combine with vegetables, lentils, or meat for a nutritious, flavorful meal. Continue to introduce new flavors one at a time and observe for sensitivity, especially with multi-ingredient pastes.
Fine to serve
Suitable at this age with the usual preparation described below.
If well tolerated, you can mix up to 1/2 teaspoon (about 2 grams) of mild curry paste into dishes of at least 150 g (5 oz) of food. Blend well with cooked recipes like stews, mild curries, or sauces. Use only mild and low-sodium versions, and avoid blends with chili or added sugar. Curry paste can enhance flavor and variety, pairing well with vegetables, legumes, grains, and meat. Always observe your child for any sign of discomfort or allergic reactivity, especially with new brands or homemade pastes.
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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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