Baby-led weaning · age-specific guide
Bone broth sipped for 12–24 months
Bone broth can be offered from 6 months of age, as soon as your baby is ready to start solid foods. It should be served warm (not hot) and ideally sipped from an open cup, straw cup, or spooned over other foods to add moisture and flavour. Always check the temperature before offering it to your baby.
How to serve at 12–24 months
Serve bone broth in an open cup or straw cup, or offer it in a small bowl for sipping with a spoon as self-feeding skills improve. It can also be used as a base for soups or stirred into family meals to add nutrition and moisture. Continue to serve it warm or at room temperature based on your toddler's preference.
Nutrition highlights
Bone broth provides protein, collagen, and gelatin, which support tissue growth and gut health. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are drawn from the bones during the long cooking process. While nutritious, bone broth is not a significant source of iron, so it should complement a varied diet that includes iron-rich foods.
Lower-risk serving reminders
Bone broth is a liquid, which presents a low choking risk when offered in appropriate amounts from a cup or spoon. The main consideration is ensuring your baby can manage sips of liquid without difficulty, which develops as their drinking skills mature.
Allergen introduction checklist
Bone broth made from plain bones and water is not a common allergen. However, if vegetables, herbs, or other ingredients are added during cooking, be mindful of any allergens those additions may contain.
Common questions
Can I give my baby bone broth every day?
Yes, bone broth can be offered daily as part of a varied diet, either sipped on its own or used to add moisture and flavour to other foods like grains or vegetables.
Should I add salt to bone broth for my baby?
No, avoid adding salt to bone broth for babies under 12 months, and keep it minimal for toddlers to protect developing kidneys and avoid shaping a preference for salty foods.
Can my baby drink bone broth cold?
Yes, bone broth can be served warm or at room temperature, though some babies prefer it gently warmed as it may have a more appealing aroma and taste.
General feeding checklist
- Seat baby upright and stable for all meals.
- Model slow chewing and allow baby to control pace.
- Stop and reset if baby is upset, tired, or over-stuffed.
Readiness signs to check
- Baby can sit upright with minimal support during meals.
- Hands and mouth coordinate for bringing food to the mouth.
- Tongue-thrust reflex is reduced, so food is not immediately pushed out.
- Interest in self-feeding and opening mouth for food cues is visible.
Pause and seek advice if
- Coughing is persistent or distress does not settle quickly during meals.
- You notice repeated vomiting, rash, swelling, wheeze, or breathing changes after a food.
- Baby struggles with swallowing progression over multiple meals despite texture adjustments.
- There is a known medical condition affecting feeding, growth, or airway safety.
Other ages: 6–8 months · 9–11 months