Avo ParentingStarting Solids
Flaxseed

Flaxseed

From 6 monthsChoking risk★★★★★
Seeds

Flaxseed is a nutritional superfood that can be introduced at 6 months as soon as your baby is comfortable with simple purees. Because the seeds themselves are a choking hazard, they must always be served in ground form.

How to serve

6-9 months

Stir a teaspoon of ground flaxseed meal into fruit purees or breastmilk/formula porridge.

9-12 months

Mix into yogurt, cottage cheese, or oatmeal to add healthy fats.

12+ months

Sprinkle over pancakes, muffins, or savory casseroles for a nutritional boost.

Nutrition

IronFiberProteinB vitaminsHealthy fatsZinc

Flaxseeds are one of the best plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain and eye development. They also offer a good dose of protein and fiber, which helps support healthy bowel movements. These tiny seeds pack a significant nutritional punch in very small servings.

Good to know

This food can be a choking hazard for babies. Prepare it in an age-appropriate size and texture, and always supervise your baby while eating.

Never feed whole flaxseeds to a baby as they pose a high choking risk and will pass through the digestive system undigested. Always use freshly ground flaxseed meal, as the oils in pre-ground seeds can turn rancid quickly.

Tip

Store your flaxseed meal in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh and prevent the healthy oils from oxidizing.

Related foods

Track every first biteGet the Avo Starting Solids app for allergen tracking, the 100 Foods Challenge, and age-based serving guides.