Maple syrup
Usually introduced around 2 years
Prep warning
Maple syrup counts as added sugar, and added sugars are not recommended for children under 2, so keep it out of your baby's food until then. After age 2, use only a small amount stirred into food now and then, not poured over meals or served as a sweet drink.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Not recommended at this age. Maple syrup is concentrated added sugar, and children under 2 should not have added sugars. If you want a touch of sweetness, mash in ripe fruit such as banana or pear instead.
Do not serve maple syrup. Sweeten food with mashed ripe fruit instead.
9-12 months
Still not recommended. Keep maple syrup out of your baby's food, including on pancakes, in oatmeal, or baked into muffins. Check labels on cereals, yogurts, and snacks for added syrup, and use mashed fruit for sweetness instead.
Do not serve maple syrup. Mashed or finely chopped soft fruit can sweeten food instead.
12-18 months
Maple syrup is still best left until after the second birthday, since the advice to avoid added sugars covers the first two years. Keep your toddler's oatmeal, yogurt, and pancakes unsweetened, or sweeten them with mashed or chopped fruit.
Do not serve maple syrup yet. Use mashed or soft chopped fruit for sweetness.
2 years and up
From age 2, a small amount of pure maple syrup can flavor food now and then. It is still added sugar, so stir a little into oatmeal, yogurt, or a batter rather than pouring it over food or offering it as a dip. Plain foods and whole fruit stay the everyday choice.
A small amount stirred into food, now and then. Not poured over meals or served as a dip or a drink.
Common questions
When can my baby have maple syrup?
Maple syrup is usually held back until around 2 years. Maple syrup counts as added sugar, and added sugars are not recommended for children under 2, so keep it out of your baby's food until then. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is maple syrup a choking hazard for babies?
Maple syrup is considered a lower choking-risk food when served in age-appropriate sizes and textures. Follow the cut sizes above and always stay close during meals.
Is maple syrup a common allergen?
Maple syrup is not one of the major food allergens. Any new food can still cause a reaction, so keep an eye on your baby the first few times.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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