About Noodles
Noodles can be a fun, soft finger food for babies when cooked until tender and served in safe lengths. They are easy to pick up, slippery enough to encourage oral exploration, and can work well as a vehicle for nutritious sauces, oils, vegetables, beans, meat, or egg. Plain cooked noodles mainly provide carbohydrates for energy. Depending on the type, they may also offer small amounts of iron, folate, and fiber, especially if made from enriched wheat or whole grains. On their own, noodles are not especially rich in protein, healthy fats, or key micronutrients, so they are best served as part of a balanced meal. Many noodles contain wheat, which is a common allergen, and some also contain egg. Rice noodles are usually free of wheat and egg, but labels should still be checked carefully for ingredients and cross-contact. Long, slippery strands can increase gagging and may be harder for young babies to manage, so preparation matters. Most babies can start noodles from 6 months old if they are cooked very soft and cut into shorter lengths. For younger babies, offer slippery pieces coated with sauce or oil to make them easier to gum and swallow. As skills improve, babies can handle longer strands and mixed noodle dishes, while toddlers can practice twirling or scooping with utensils under close supervision.
How to serve by age
Cook noodles until very tender, then cut long strands into shorter pieces for easier handling. Serve lightly coated with sauce, broth, or oil so they are less sticky and easier for baby to gum and swallow.
Offer soft noodles in short strands or small clumps mixed with vegetables, beans, meat, or egg. This is a good stage to combine noodles with nutrient-rich foods rather than serving them plain.
Toddlers can begin managing longer noodles and may enjoy practicing with fingers, a preloaded fork, or a spoon. Continue to serve noodles soft and moist, and model taking manageable bites.
Offer noodle dishes with chopped vegetables, protein foods, and sauces. Encourage utensil use while continuing to supervise, since long slippery noodles can still lead to oversized bites.
Pairs well with
Safety & allergens
Cook noodles until very soft and serve them coated with sauce, broth, or a little oil so they are easier to manage. For younger babies, cut long noodles into shorter lengths to reduce slurping and gagging. Avoid serving dry, clumped, or undercooked noodles, and always supervise closely.
What to watch for
Safety checklist
Storage & shelf life
Refrigerate cooked noodles in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Toss with a little oil or sauce if needed to help prevent sticking.
Freeze cooked noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat until steaming, then cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Provides carbohydrates for energy
- Can be easy for babies to pick up and self-feed
- Often contains some iron and folate if enriched
- Works well as a base for nutrient-rich sauces and toppings
- Usually low in protein unless paired with other foods
- Often low in fiber if made from refined flour
- Not a major source of vitamins and minerals on its own
- Many varieties contain wheat, and some contain egg
Key nutrients
Nutrition facts
| Calories | 108kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1.8g |
| Carbs | 24.0g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Fiber | 1.0g |
| Sugar | 0.0g |
| Iron | 0.1mg |
| Calcium | 4.0mg |
| Potassium | 4mg |
| Folate | 1µg |
| Zinc | 0.25mg |
per 100 g
In season
Common questions
When can babies eat Noodles?
Is Noodles a choking hazard?
Is Noodles a common allergen?
More first foods
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