Food guide
Rusk
Rusks, a type of hard, dry biscuit, can be offered to babies starting around 6 months, often used as a teething biscuit. While they can provide relief for teething gums, they require careful consideration due to their texture.
How to serve at this age
6-9 months: Offer a very small piece of rusk, ensuring constant supervision. It softens with saliva, but parents must be vigilant for large pieces breaking off. Alternatively, soften in breastmilk/formula or water before offering. 9-12 months: Continue with softened pieces or small, supervised portions. Ensure the baby is seated upright and always under direct supervision due to the choking risk. 12+ months: Small, supervised pieces can be offered, but it's generally better to transition to other firmer, safer foods like toast strips or larger pieces of fruit and vegetables for chewing practice.
Nutrition
Traditional rusks are often primarily carbohydrates, offering some energy. Some brands may be fortified with vitamins and minerals like iron or calcium, but many contain added sugar and salt which are not recommended for babies.
A note from the editors
Instead of offering a whole rusk, pre-soften small pieces in breastmilk, formula, or water to reduce the hardness and potential for large chunks to break off.
Good to know
Rusks present a high choking risk due to their hard, dry texture that can break off into large, jagged pieces. Many varieties contain added sugars and salts, which are not recommended for babies. Always supervise closely. Wheat is a common allergen; check ingredients for other potential allergens like milk or egg.