Can Babies Eat Pork?
Yes. Pork is fine from around 6 months. Cook it right through, keep it moist, and either puree it or serve fine, soft shreds. It brings protein and iron to the plate. The one thing to skip is the salty stuff, so no bacon or ham for now.
Pork does not get talked about as a baby food as often as chicken or beef, which is a shame, because it is just as useful. It is a good source of protein and iron, it is easy to find, and it takes on sweet flavours like apple beautifully. The trick, as with all meat for babies, is to keep it moist. Here is how.
What is pork?
Pork is the meat of the pig, and it comes in a big range of cuts, from lean tenderloin to fattier belly. For babies, leaner cuts like loin, cooked gently and kept moist, are the easiest to work with. Cured pork such as bacon, ham and sausages is a different story, since it is loaded with salt.
Pork and fruit are old friends, and that works brilliantly for babies. Cook it down with apple for a naturally sweet puree, or blend it with soft carrot to keep it moist and mild.
Pork nutrition for babies
Pork is a strong protein food that also brings iron, zinc and B vitamins.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (cooked) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 242 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Iron | 0.9 mg |
| Zinc | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.7 mcg |
Typical values for cooked lean pork. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
When can babies eat pork?
Pork can start from around 6 months as an early protein. Keep it moist and adjust the texture as your baby grows:
Cook the pork soft, then blend it with vegetables and lots of liquid into a smooth, loose puree.
Offer finely shredded pork in a sauce, or soft meatballs your baby can pick up. Keep it saucy.
Slow-cooked pulled pork, meatballs and casseroles all work now. Keep the salt low and skip cured cuts.
Tip: slow, gentle cooking is your friend with pork. A cut simmered or slow-cooked until it falls apart is far easier for a baby than a quick-fried chop, which can go tough and dry.
Health benefits of pork for babies
Protein
Pork is a complete protein, giving babies the building blocks they need for steady growth.
Iron and zinc
It provides iron and zinc in a form the body absorbs well, both of which matter from 6 months.
B vitamins
Pork is a good source of B vitamins, which the body uses to turn food into energy.
To help your baby absorb the iron, serve pork with a vitamin C food. A little fruit afterwards, or some soft spinach in the mix, does the trick.
How to serve pork safely
Do
- Cook pork thoroughly with no pink.
- Choose leaner cuts for babies.
- Keep it moist with veg, puree or sauce.
- Blend it smooth for early eaters.
Avoid
- Bacon, ham and sausages, which are salty.
- Dry, tough or crumbly pork.
- Adding salt or stock cubes.
- Large, firm chunks for young babies.
Risks and safety
Pork allergy is uncommon, so the main points are cooking and salt. Always cook it right through, keep it moist so it does not dry into hard crumbs, and leave the cured, salty cuts off the menu while your baby is little.
Protein and iron: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages iron-rich and protein foods from 6 months, and plain cooked pork is a good option as part of a varied diet.
Easy pork recipe (6 months)
Pork and apple puree for baby
Makes 3 baby portions, from 6 monthsIngredients
- 50 g lean pork, diced
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 small potato, diced
- Water or unsalted stock
Method
- Simmer the pork, apple and potato in enough water or unsalted stock to cover, until everything is very soft and the pork is fully cooked.
- Blend to a smooth puree, adding liquid to loosen it.
- Cool to a safe temperature before serving.
Pork FAQ
When can babies eat pork?
Babies can have pork from around 6 months. Cook it thoroughly, then puree it with vegetables or serve it as fine, moist shreds, since dry pork can be a choking risk.
Is pork good for babies?
Yes. Pork gives protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins, all useful in the first year. Choose leaner cuts and keep it moist, and it makes a solid part of a varied diet.
How do you cook pork for a baby?
Cook it all the way through with no pink, then blend it with soft vegetables and plenty of liquid for young babies, or shred it finely and mix it into a sauce for older ones.
Can babies have bacon or ham?
It is best to avoid bacon, ham and other processed pork for babies, because they are high in salt. Stick to plain, home-cooked pork instead.
Sources
- Pork, Wikipedia.
- FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Foods and Drinks for 6 to 24 Month Olds, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. Talk to your doctor, health visitor or paediatrician about your own baby, and about starting solids or any allergy concerns.
