Allergen note
Ham is not a common allergen, but its high sodium and nitrite content make it unsuitable for infants; wait until after age 1 and serve only in tiny, lean, well-cooked pieces.
How to serve
For infants over 12 months, finely mince a tablespoon of low-sodium ham into scrambled eggs or a soft vegetable mash. For toddlers, serve a few small, bite-sized cubes (about 2 tablespoons) as a finger food, ensuring it's moist to prevent choking.
Preparation
Choose low-sodium ham, cook it thoroughly by boiling or steaming, and finely mince or puree it to prevent choking. Always avoid honey-cured varieties for infants under one.
Texture and choking risk
Ham is a choking risk due to its dense, rubbery texture; serve only in very thin, small pieces and always supervise meals closely.
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 ham, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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