{"id":645,"date":"2016-08-19T09:53:04","date_gmt":"2016-08-19T07:53:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cookingformybaby.com\/en\/?p=645"},"modified":"2025-04-20T00:25:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T22:25:40","slug":"when-to-give-spices-and-herbs-to-your-baby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cookingformybaby.com\/en\/when-to-give-spices-and-herbs-to-your-baby\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing flavor to baby’s first purees: What you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we begin introducing solids to our babies, we often try to make tasty little meals with lots of care and attention. And of course, every time we prepare a new dish\u2026 we taste it ourselves! But let\u2019s be honest, sometimes it\u2019s just not that flavorful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that\u2019s completely normal! Our taste buds are far more developed than baby\u2019s. We shouldn\u2019t forget that, up until now, their only experience with flavor has been milk and water. Their palate is still discovering everything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can I add spices to baby\u2019s first purees?<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In the very first purees, it\u2019s best not to add spices<\/strong>. We want baby to become familiar with the natural flavor of each ingredient, one at a time. This helps them recognize tastes and also helps us spot any potential allergies or sensitivities early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Baby doesn\u2019t like their puree? It\u2019s probably not the taste…<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

If your baby makes a funny face when trying a new puree, don\u2019t worry, it doesn\u2019t mean they dislike it! Texture and taste are brand new to them, and they need time to adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It often takes 10 or more exposures<\/strong> to a food before we can say baby truly doesn\u2019t like it. So keep offering the same ingredients across several meals before drawing conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding flavor gradually: What Seasonings are safe, and when?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once baby is around 6 months old and has tried a few basic purees and compotes, you can slowly start adding more flavor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 From 8 months: Mild aromatics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You can begin introducing small amounts of onion, garlic, or shallot<\/strong>, always steamed to retain nutrients and soften the flavor. Cook them thoroughly (10 to 15 minutes) and use just a pinch<\/strong> to enhance baby’s meals without overwhelming their senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u274c What about salt?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Avoid adding salt until at least 12 months<\/strong>. Vegetables naturally contain sodium, and baby doesn\u2019t need any extra at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"seasoning<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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When can baby have spices?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Starting at around 6 months<\/strong>, you can add a small pinch<\/strong> of mild spices like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n