
Can be served at every age when prepared as described below. Watch for: added sugar. Moderate choking risk (3/5). Moderate allergen risk (3/5).
Last reviewed: October 2026
Prepare with care
Only if made without added sugar.
The NHS notes that teething biscuits and rusks can contain a lot of sugar and advises checking labels to help prevent tooth decay.
At this age, only offer specialized, hard infant teething biscuits designed to dissolve slowly rather than crumble. Regular cookies or homemade versions are not safe due to potential crumbling and inconsistent textures. The biscuit must be long enough for your baby to grip (approximately 8–10 cm / 3–4 in) and impossible to fit entirely into their mouth. The primary purpose is for gnawing and soothing gums, not for biting off chunks. Supervise continuously: if the biscuit softens, breaks into pieces, or if any piece breaks off that is larger than a pea, remove it immediately to prevent a choking hazard. Choose brands known for slow dissolution without creating sticky goo or hard fragments.
For babies just starting solids, teething biscuits can provide comfort and support oral motor development. Offer one biscuit per session, ideally as part of a snack rather than a full meal. Pair it with nutrient-dense foods like plain, unsweetened yogurt or mashed avocado. Always choose biscuits free from added sugars, honey, or artificial flavors. Ensure your baby is seated upright and attentive, and never leave them unsupervised. If your baby manages to break off or swallow large pieces, immediately remove the biscuit and discontinue use, as this indicates it poses a significant choking hazard.
Prepare with care
Only if made without added sugar.
The NHS advises checking labels on teething biscuits to avoid added sugars and protect developing teeth from decay.
Continue to use only commercial teething biscuits specifically formulated for babies, ensuring they are hard and designed to dissolve safely. While some children at this stage may start to bite off pieces, the biscuit should remain large enough (8–10 cm / 3–4 in) to prevent it from being a whole-mouth choking hazard. Avoid products that easily crumble into hard chunks or become overly sticky, as these pose a choking risk. Supervise constantly: if the biscuit softens excessively, breaks apart, or if any piece breaks off, remove it immediately. Never leave your child unattended with food, particularly teething biscuits.
As your baby's biting and chewing skills develop, continue offering only one biscuit per snack session, maintaining close supervision. Pair the biscuit with other nutritious options such as a smoothie made from berries and plain yogurt, or mashed legumes. Avoid biscuits containing added sugars, honey (especially for babies under 12 months), or artificial flavors. Teething biscuits should complement, not replace, meals. Always offer water alongside and maintain constant supervision to ensure safe eating.
Prepare with care
Only if made without added sugar.
The NHS recommends avoiding sugary snacks to prevent tooth decay, and dietary guidelines advise avoiding added sugars before age 2.
At this stage, while some toddlers may handle slightly softer textures, always assess your child’s individual chewing and swallowing abilities. For ongoing safety, select biscuits that reliably dissolve quickly in the mouth, and continue to offer them in a size too large to fit entirely into the mouth (e.g., 8–10 cm / 3–4 in). Emphasize slow nibbling and mindful eating. Watch attentively: if your child bites off a piece larger than a pea, gently remove it, and calmly reinforce safe eating practices. Supervise your child closely while eating. Consider discontinuing teething biscuits once your child demonstrates mature biting, chewing, and swallowing skills with other foods.
If your child still enjoys teething biscuits, offer them occasionally as a supplemental snack, not daily or as a meal substitute. One biscuit at a time is sufficient, balanced with whole fruit, cheese sticks, or other soft, age-appropriate finger foods for a well-rounded snack plate. Prioritize biscuits that dissolve easily in the mouth and have minimal added sugars. Encourage slow and deliberate eating, and maintain constant supervision. As your child's independent eating skills advance, gradually transition towards a wider variety of age-appropriate snacks.
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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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