Prep warning
Soy sauce is very high in salt, which is not good for babies' kidneys, and added salt is best avoided until age 2. Keep soy sauce out of your child's food until then and use it sparingly after that. Soy is a top-9 allergen, and most regular soy sauce also contains wheat, another top-9 allergen, so check the label if either is new.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Not recommended at this age. Soy sauce is very high in salt, which is not good for a baby's kidneys, so keep it out of baby food. If a family dish uses it, set your baby's portion aside before adding any. Tofu or mashed edamame are simpler ways to offer soy.
Do not serve soy sauce. Set your baby's portion aside before it goes into a family dish.
9-12 months
Still not recommended. Keep soy sauce out of your baby's food, and season the family dish only after your baby's portion is set aside. Low-sodium soy sauce is still very salty, so it should wait too.
Do not serve soy sauce. Set your baby's share aside before seasoning.
12-18 months
Soy sauce is still best left until after the second birthday. Toddlers need their salt kept low, and soy sauce is one of the saltiest seasonings, so keep serving your toddler's portion before it goes in. Garlic, ginger, or a squeeze of lemon can add flavor without salt.
Do not serve soy sauce yet. Set your toddler's portion aside before seasoning.
2 years and up
From age 2, a small amount of soy sauce can season a shared dish, ideally a low-sodium version. It is still one of the saltiest seasonings, so cook a little into the whole pot rather than adding it to your child's plate, and keep the rest of the day's food low in salt. Make sure soy, and the wheat in most soy sauces, have already been introduced.
A small splash of low-sodium soy sauce cooked into a family dish. Not added at the table or used as a dip.
Allergen information
Soy is a common allergen. Read Soy guidance
Common questions
When can my baby have soy sauce?
Soy sauce is usually held back until around 2 years. Soy sauce is very high in salt, which is not good for babies' kidneys, and added salt is best avoided until age 2. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is soy sauce a choking hazard for babies?
Soy sauce 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 soy sauce a common allergen?
Soy sauce contains soy, one of the major food allergens. Offer a small amount the first few times and watch for a reaction — see the allergen notes above.
Sources6
- AAP - Starting Solid Foods (around 6 months)
- NHS - What to feed your baby from around 6 months
- AAP - Introducing common food allergens to your baby
- NHS - Foods and drinks to avoid (honey, salt, sugar)
- CDC - Foods and drinks to avoid or limit (added sugar, salt)
- AAP - Snacks for toddlers (no added salt or sugar before age 2)
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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