As a parent you likely can’t wait to introduce new and exciting flavors to your little one. But it’s important to wait until your baby is developmentally ready before offering certain foods especially hearty meats like ham. So what age is appropriate for babies to start eating ham? Let’s take a closer look.
Around 6 Months is a Good Starting Point
Most experts agree that ham can be part of a baby’s diet starting around 6 months of age This timing coincides with when babies are generally ready to begin eating solid foods beyond just milk. At the 6 month mark, babies have developed the oral motor skills needed to move semi-solid foods around the mouth and swallow them safely
Of course, every baby is different. Some show signs of readiness closer to 4 or 5 months, while others may not be ready until closer to 7 months. Paying attention to your baby’s cues is more important than their age. Signs they are ready for solids include:
- Good head and neck control
- Ability to sit upright with support
- Loss of tongue-thrust reflex
- Interest in watching you eat
- Reaching for food
- Opening mouth when food is offered
If your baby is displaying these skills and seems eager to participate at mealtimes, beginning to offer ham and other solids around 6 months is likely appropriate. Just start with small amounts and increase gradually as their skills progress.
Choosing the Right Type of Ham
Not all ham is created equal when it comes to babies. Some key considerations:
Deli Ham vs. Fresh Ham – Fresh ham, which is an unprocessed cut of pork from the pig’s hind leg, is safer for babies than pre-packaged deli ham which carries a higher risk of contamination with listeria and other pathogens. If you do offer deli ham, heat it thoroughly until steaming to reduce bacteria before serving.
Avoid Added Honey – Honeys and corn syrups used to glaze or cure some ham can cause infant botulism in babies under 12 months old. Opt for plain, unglazed ham slices with no honey.
Limit Salt Content – Some cured or smoked hams like prosciutto are very high in sodium. Keep sodium moderate by choosing lower salt options, and serving ham alongside veggies and fruits that are naturally low in sodium.
Cook Thoroughly – Always make sure any fresh, uncooked ham is cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill any potential bacteria or parasites before giving it to your baby.
Start with Small Amounts
When first introducing ham, serve just a taste – a strip the size of two adult fingers placed side-by-side works well. Watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, face, or throat, wheezing, vomiting, or hives. If there is no reaction, serve slightly larger pieces at subsequent meals.
For babies closer to 9-12 months, diced pieces of ham about the size of a pea are appropriate as baby becomes more skilled at chewing and moving food to the back of the mouth to swallow.
Pair with Trusted Favorites
Combine ham with familiar foods your baby already enjoys and eats well. Dice or shred ham and mix it into cooked egg, add to pureed veggies, or serve alongside baby cereal or yogurt. Pairing ham with trusted favorites makes it easier for baby to accept and helps prevent gagging or spitting out.
Watch Closely for Choking Risks
Like many meat products, ham can pose a choking risk due to its dense, chewy texture. Help mitigate this by:
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Avoiding large chunks or cubes of ham
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Shredding ham into strings instead of dicing
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Monitoring closely and allowing baby time to chew – don’t force spoonfuls
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Practicing safe eating conditions – always stay within arm’s reach and supervise actively
Ham Can Be Part of a Balanced Diet
Ham makes a protein-rich addition to a baby’s balanced diet. For babies under 12 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a variety of iron-containing foods like meat, which also provide zinc, B vitamins, and other nutrients babies need.
Just be sure to introduce ham gradually and pair with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as you expand baby’s palate and nutrition beyond breastmilk or formula. With safe preparation and age-appropriate serving sizes, ham can be a healthy and delicious early food your baby will love!
What are the benefits of meat for babies and toddlers?
You know that meat is packed with high-quality protein to support your little one’s growth. But that’s just the beginning. Besides iron, foods like chicken, beef, turkey, and pork are great sources of this mineral. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body, so iron is needed to make them.
Another good thing about meat is that it has a lot of zinc, which is important for your child’s immune system and healthy growth.
How to prepare meat for 12 months old and up
As a toddler, your little chef probably has the teeth and chewing skills to handle smaller pieces of chicken or meat that have been cut up. They may even be working on picking them up with a fork.
Baby’s First Food – The Complete Guide to Starting Solids
When should a baby eat ham?
When safely prepared, ham (honey-free) may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Consider waiting to serve deli meat, glazed ham, and cured ham like prosciutto until the child is older due to an increased risk of foodborne illness.
When should a child eat deli meat?
Consider waiting to serve deli meats, cured hams (such as jamon iberico, mortadella, pancetta, prosciutto, and other charcuterie), and glazed hams until the child is older, due to an increased risk of foodborne illness. Deli meats, such as ham, have been implicated in a number of outbreaks of foodborne illness, namely Listeria.
When can babies eat meat?
When can babies have meat? You can add meat to your baby’s menu any time after starting solids, which is usually around 6 months. In fact, experts recommend that foods like meat and poultry, along with fortified baby cereal and beans, get introduced early on, since they provide key nutrients like iron and zinc.
Can babies eat ham (honey-free)?
Babies can have ham (honey-free) as soon as they’re ready to start solids as long as it’s safely prepared. Like other cuts of pork, ham offers plenty of the nutrients babies need, including protein, zinc, choline, and vitamins B6 and B12. While ham can be high in sodium, it is not a cause for concern as part of a balanced diet.