When can babies eat chicken stock?

The earliest stage on this page is 12–24 months: Low-salt stock only if used, within the 2 g/day salt limit for 1–3 years.

How do I cut and serve chicken stock for my baby?

6–8 months (Not at this age): Avoid shop-bought stock — it is named directly in NHS guidance as high in salt. Use plain water or a homemade unsalted stock instead. 9–11 months (Not at this age): Still avoid shop-bought stock and stock cubes. 12–24 months (Mashed): Low-salt stock only if used, within the 2 g/day salt limit for 1–3 years.

What should I watch out for when giving chicken stock to a baby?

Added salt is hard on a baby's kidneys. Avoid stock cubes, gravy, soy sauce and cured meats; do not salt cooking water. Source: NHS: foods to avoid.

Chicken Stock

Chicken stock is the simmered base that gives a soup or sauce body and savoury depth. Our recipes use it in Italian Wedding Soup, Chicken Meatball Miso Soup, Beef Broth Bowls with Coconut Curry, and the pan sauce for Lemon Thyme Skillet Chicken Breast. Stock concentrates as it reduces in the pan, so taste before adding salt.

12 recipes use this ingredient

Chicken Stock

Nutrient	Per 100 g
Sodium	402 mg
Protein	1.2 g

Depends on the brand. Shop-bought stock often contains celery, and sometimes wheat or soya — all three are declarable allergens. Check the label.

How to serve Chicken Stock to babies

6–8 months
Not at this age
Avoid shop-bought stock — it is named directly in NHS guidance as high in salt. Use plain water or a homemade unsalted stock instead.
9–11 months
Not at this age
Still avoid shop-bought stock and stock cubes.
12–24 months
Mashed
Low-salt stock only if used, within the 2 g/day salt limit for 1–3 years.

Watch out for

Go easyunder 12 months
Added salt is hard on a baby's kidneys. Avoid stock cubes, gravy, soy sauce and cured meats; do not salt cooking water.
NHS: foods to avoid

Per 100 g from USDA FDC (174530). Weaning guidance from NHS. Not medical advice.