Whole Grain Pasta for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve whole grain pasta to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Whole Grain Pasta to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For early eaters (6-9 months), choose small pasta shapes like fusilli or penne, or cut larger shapes into short, manageable pieces. Always cook pasta until it is very soft—a little softer than you might eat yourself. Overcooked pasta is easier for babies to gum and swallow, reducing the risk of choking. Avoid stuffing too many pieces on the tray—offer just a few at a time. Some babies may prefer pasta mashed or served with a little water or breast milk to make it easier to pick up. Never serve dry or al dente pasta at this age.
Serving Instructions
At this stage, serve about 15-20g (½ - ¾ oz) of cooked whole grain pasta as part of a balanced meal, alongside iron-rich foods (like pureed beans or meat) and vitamin C-rich vegetables (such as bell peppers or broccoli) to help with iron absorption. Offer a variety of textures by mixing pasta with smooth purees or a little healthy oil. Always ensure the pasta is very soft and cut or mashed for safety.
How to Serve Whole Grain Pasta to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For children 9-18 months, continue to offer pasta well-cooked and soft. At this age, babies may be developing their pincer grasp and can manage a wider variety of pasta shapes—rotini, bows, or short spaghetti. Offer bite-sized pieces or short strips that are easy to pick up. You can gently mash or cut pasta if needed. If serving with sauce, choose smooth or finely chopped ingredients to avoid large chunks that could pose a choking risk. Always supervise eating and avoid hard, sticky, or clumped-together pasta.
Serving Instructions
Serve about 20-30g (¾ - 1 oz) cooked pasta as part of the main meal, pairing with bite-sized soft vegetables and a source of protein like shredded chicken, fish, or mashed beans. For balance, include foods rich in healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil). Whole grain pasta offers long-lasting energy and fiber. Always supervise and ensure the pasta is soft and cut appropriately for your child’s skill level.
How to Serve Whole Grain Pasta to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
By 18 months and up, toddlers can manage most shapes of whole grain pasta, so long as the pasta is cooked soft and served in appropriate portions (about 30-60g or 1-2 oz cooked). Encourage practice with forks or fingers. At this stage, introduce mixed dishes and sauces with small, soft pieces of vegetables or protein. Avoid very large pasta shapes that could be bitten off in big chunks. Monitor for any tendency to overstuff the mouth. Continue serving pasta soft and cut into bite-sized pieces as needed.
Serving Instructions
By 18 months and beyond, serve 30-60g (1-2 oz) cooked whole grain pasta, mixing in a variety of small, soft-cooked vegetables, protein sources (such as cheese, beans, eggs, or fish) and healthy fats (olive oil or avocado). Encourage self-feeding with forks or fingers. Avoid offering large portions at once—spread the meal out across the plate. Continue to offer alongside iron-rich and vitamin C–rich foods for optimal nutrition.
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