🧂 Chili powder
Allergen note
Chili peppers are not a common allergen, but chili powder is usually a blend that can include cumin, garlic, oregano, salt and, in some brands, mustard or celery, so read the label. Redness around the mouth or a sore bottom after spicy food is usually irritation; hives, swelling or vomiting need medical advice.
How to serve
From 6 months, start with a tiny pinch of mild chili powder cooked into a larger dish, such as lentils, mashed beans or sweet potato. If your baby enjoys it, increase slowly over the months; from 12 months, toddlers can share lightly spiced family chili or bean stew made without added salt.
Preparation
Choose a mild, salt-free blend from an established brand, since some blends are salty and some imported ground spices have been recalled for lead. Stir it into the dish while it cooks so it spreads evenly, taste it yourself first, and set your baby's portion aside before adding extra heat for adults.
Texture and choking risk
Mixed into food, the powder itself is not a typical choking hazard, but dry powder can be breathed in and cause coughing, so never sprinkle it over dry finger foods. Serve the dish in a texture that suits your baby's age, keep the jar out of reach, and wipe little hands, since chili stings the eyes.
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries chili powder, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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