Custard for Babies: When and How to Introduce It
Homemade custard is a smooth, soft treat from around 9 months, once egg and milk are each introduced. Skip the sugar and sweeten with mashed fruit instead.
- When to introduce
- Around 9 months
- Common allergen?
- Yes (milk and egg, both top-9 allergens)
- Texture
- Smooth and soft
- Key nutrients
- Protein, calcium, fat from egg and milk
When can babies eat custard?
Custard is a smooth, soft, comforting food made by gently cooking eggs with milk, and homemade custard can join your baby's plate around 9 months. Because it combines two ingredients, it carries two allergens: milk and egg. For that reason, introduce it only after your baby has already had egg and milk each on their own without a problem. One more thing: skip the sugar for babies under 1 and sweeten with mashed fruit instead.
How to prepare custard for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées, by age
Is custard safe? Choking & prep
Custard contains two top-9 allergens, milk and egg, so introduce it only after your baby has already had each of those on its own without a reaction. Make it at home so you control the ingredients, and cook the egg through as you would for any egg dish. Do not add sugar for babies under 1; sweeten with mashed fruit like banana instead, since babies do not need added sugar and it is best avoided in the first year. Serve custard smooth and soft, and watch your baby the first time or two you offer it.
Trying custard today? Log the first taste and it lands on your baby's tried-it list, dated and ready for the pediatrician.
Log custard today →Nutrition
Homemade custard offers protein, calcium, and fat from its egg and milk, giving it a bit more substance than a plain sweet treat. Sweetening it with mashed fruit adds a little natural sweetness and fiber without any added sugar. Its smooth texture makes it easy for babies to eat.
Goes well with
Storage & freezing
Refrigerate homemade custard in a sealed container and use it within 2 days; do not leave it at room temperature.
More dairy foods to explore
Introducing this allergen
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
When can babies eat custard?
Around 9 months, using homemade custard, once your baby has already had egg and milk each on their own without a reaction.
Is custard a common allergen?
Yes, in a sense: custard contains two top-9 allergens, milk and egg. Introduce each of those separately first, then offer custard.
Can I give my baby custard with sugar?
No added sugar under age 1. Make homemade custard and sweeten it with mashed fruit like banana instead.
Is store-bought custard okay for babies?
Homemade is better, since it lets you control the sugar, salt, and ingredients. Many store versions add sugar babies do not need.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org): Starting Solid Foods
- CDC: Foods and Drinks to Encourage and Limit
Track it in Yummy Yucky
Log first tries, get nudged through the 3-day allergen watch, and keep every bite in one place you can share with your pediatrician.
Start tracking for freeHow we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.
This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.
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