FirstNom
Grains
Farro for babies
Farro is an ancient wheat with a satisfying chew, which is exactly what makes it need extra cooking for a baby.
When can babies have farro?
From around 6 months, cooked well past al dente. Farro is a wheat species, so it counts as a wheat introduction and is not suitable in coeliac disease.
How do you serve farro to a baby?
The shape is what makes a food safe, and it changes as your baby’s grip and chewing change. Find your baby’s age band.
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6–8 months
Cook until very soft, then mix with a sauce, mashed vegetable or dal so it holds together.
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9–11 months
Loose cooked farro for pincer practice, or in a soup.
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12–18 months
Farro in soups, stews or as a side grain.
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18–24 months
Family portions.
Prep tip
Pearled farro cooks in about 20 minutes; whole farro takes 40 and benefits from soaking. For a baby, pearled and overcooked is the practical choice.
Storage
Cooked farro keeps four days refrigerated and freezes well.
Is farro a choking hazard for babies?
Properly cooked farro is soft; al dente farro is chewy and firm, and that is the version to avoid. Cook it 10 minutes past the packet time for a baby. Grains are small and need binding before the pincer grasp.
Whatever you serve, stay within arm’s reach, keep your baby upright in a supportive seat, and never let them eat in a moving car, buggy or carrier. Gagging is loud and normal. Choking is silent.
Is farro a common allergen?
Farro is a wheat species (emmer, spelt or einkorn depending on the packet) and contains gluten. It counts as a wheat allergen introduction and is not suitable for anyone with coeliac disease.
Is farro healthy for babies?
Farro carries considerably more fibre and protein than white rice or pasta, plus useful iron and magnesium. Its texture holds up in soups and stews, which makes it a good grain for a one-pot family meal.
| Fibre | Very high |
|---|---|
| Protein | High |
| Magnesium | High |
| Iron (non-heme) | Good source |
| B vitamins | Good source |
| Iron per serving | ~0.7 mg |
Common questions about farro
Is farro gluten-free?
No. It is a form of wheat and contains gluten. The 'ancient grain' label sometimes implies otherwise, but it does not.
Is farro better than rice for a baby?
More fibre, more protein, more iron. Rice is softer and easier to serve. Both belong in the rotation.
Reference material
Guidance on this page follows the sources listed below.
Foods parents look at next
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