Naan (plain, low sodium) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve naan (plain, low sodium) to your baby, by age.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Naan (plain, low sodium) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6 to 9 months old, offer naan in large, graspable strips that are roughly the length and width of two adult fingers. It is critical to select a plain, low-sodium variety. To ensure a safe texture, lightly steam the naan for a minute or toast it very briefly and then tear it into strips, making sure to remove any hard, crispy, or browned edges which can pose a choking risk. The soft, pliable strip allows your baby to practice their palmar grasp and bring the food to their mouth independently. Always supervise your baby closely, ensuring they are seated upright.
Serving Instructions
Serve one or two soft strips of low-sodium naan as an ideal vehicle for nutrient-dense foods. This encourages self-feeding and the exploration of new tastes and textures. You can spread a thin layer of iron-rich lentil purée, smooth unsalted hummus, or full-fat plain yogurt onto the strip. For a healthy fat boost, try spreading it with mashed avocado. This not only adds crucial nutrition but also moistens the bread, making it easier for your baby to manage. Always introduce one new food at a time and monitor for any potential allergic reactions, especially to wheat and dairy.
How to Serve Naan (plain, low sodium) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
Between 9 and 18 months, as your baby develops their pincer grasp, you can transition to offering smaller, bite-sized pieces of soft, low-sodium naan, about the size of a chickpea. You can lightly toast the naan to give it a bit more structure for easier handling, but continue to tear or cut off any hard or overly chewy crusts. This smaller size encourages the development of fine motor skills and more complex chewing patterns. Always ensure your child is seated upright and free from distractions during mealtime. Constant supervision is crucial to prevent choking as they navigate this new texture and size.
Serving Instructions
Offer about 1/4 cup (60 ml; 2 oz) of bite-sized naan pieces as part of a larger, balanced meal. These small pieces are perfect for practicing dipping into thicker stews, mild lentil dal, or yogurt, which helps your child feel included in family meals. To maximize nutritional value, pair the naan with a source of protein and fat, such as finely shredded chicken or a hard-boiled egg yolk mashed with avocado. Including a vitamin C-rich food, like a side of soft-cooked bell pepper strips, will aid in the absorption of iron from the grain. Encourage self-feeding to build confidence.
How to Serve Naan (plain, low sodium) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
For toddlers over 18 months who are confident eaters and have a good set of molars, you can offer larger pieces of naan. A small wedge or a quarter of a low-sodium naan is appropriate, allowing them to practice tearing and taking appropriately sized bites. While their chewing skills are more advanced, continue to be mindful of any particularly hard, sharp, or overly crispy edges. Encourage them to always sit down while eating and model taking small bites. This stage is excellent for building independence and learning to self-regulate food intake. As always, close supervision during all meals remains essential for safety.
Serving Instructions
A toddler can enjoy a larger portion, such as one-quarter to one-half of a small, low-sodium naan (about 2-4 oz or 60-120g). Serve it as a satisfying side to a balanced meal of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, like a mild chicken curry or a hearty bean soup. You can also use a piece of naan as a fun and easy base for a mini pizza, topped with tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and finely diced soft vegetables. This encourages interaction with food and exposure to various food groups in an enjoyable way, promoting adventurous eating habits.
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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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.
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 Family Apps for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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