Barley
6 months and up
⚡ Quick answer
Barley can be given from 6 months as a well-cooked porridge; because it contains gluten, introducing it around 6 months is appropriate with respect to celiac disease.
How to serve it by age?
Give barley flour or thoroughly cooked, mashed barley at a porridge consistency, together with vegetable puree.
Add soft-cooked barley to soup or vegetable dishes.
Serve it from the family table as unsalted barley soup, barley pilaf, or vegetable casserole.
⚠️ Allergen information
Contains gluten. Introducing gluten in the 4-6 month window while breastfeeding continues does not increase the risk of celiac disease; when giving it for the first time, start on its own and in a small amount.
🫁 Choking risk and safe serving
Whole barley grains (for example the grains in barley soup) can stay hard; cook them until fully soft, and mash them for younger babies.
📌 Watch out for these
- Contains gluten; it can be introduced around 6 months as one of the first sources of gluten.
- For whole grains, cook them thoroughly to soften them and mash them if needed.
- On the first try, give it on its own and follow the 3-day rule.
Related guides
⚕️ This page summarizes general pediatric recommendations; it is not medical advice. For babies with a history of allergies and whenever you are unsure, consult your pediatrician.