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

6+ months
Very soft noodles cut into short lengths and coated with sauce or oil

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.

9+ months
Soft noodle pieces or short strands mixed into a meal

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.

12+ months
Longer soft noodles with supervision

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.

18+ months
Mixed noodle dishes and utensil practice

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

Olive oil or butter for moistureTomato saucePlain full-fat yogurt saucePesto without whole nuts for babiesShredded chickenScrambled egg or soft cooked eggLentils or white beansSoft cooked broccoliPeasFinely grated cheese
A note on ages
These age ranges are general guidelines. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child's readiness signs and consult your pediatrician.

Safety & allergens

Choking riskLow

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

Rash or hivesSwelling of lips, face, or tongueVomitingDiarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

Cook noodles until very soft
Cut long noodles into shorter lengths for younger babies
Serve with sauce, broth, or oil to reduce clumping
Avoid dry, sticky mouthfuls
Check labels for wheat, egg, and other allergens
Ensure baby is sitting upright
Never leave baby unattended while eating

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

Carbohydrates
Provide energy for growth, play, and daily activity
Iron
Supports healthy blood and brain development
Folate
Helps support cell growth and development

Nutrition facts

Calories108kcal
Protein1.8g
Carbs24.0g
Fat0.2g
Fiber1.0g
Sugar0.0g
Iron0.1mg
Calcium4.0mg
Potassium4mg
Folate1µg
Zinc0.25mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Noodles?
Most babies can start Noodles from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. 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.
Is Noodles a choking hazard?
Noodles is rated Low choking risk. 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.
Is Noodles a common allergen?
Introduce noodles in a small amount at first and check the ingredient list carefully. Many noodles contain wheat, and some contain egg, both of which are common allergens. If using a wheat-and-egg noodle, it is helpful if your child has already tolerated those allergens individually when possible. Rice noodles may be an alternative, but always read labels for added allergens and cross-contact.

More first foods

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