Babies shouldn't have regular sugary ice lollies due to choking risks, added sugar (avoid for under 2s), and potential for cold-related inflammation (popsicle panniculitis). Instead, for teething or thirst, offer chilled (not frozen solid) fruit purées, homemade popsicles in safe molds (like silicone), or a cold teething ring, always supervised, and ensure they're old enough for water/juice.
However, be mindful of choking hazards—especially during Halloween, when hard and round lollies, such as skittles, m&m's, lollipops and gum balls, are common. These treats can pose a serious risk for babies and toddlers, so they should be avoided entirely until they are over 4 years old.
6 months old +:
Once cow's milk and any other common allergens in the ice cream have been safely introduced, it is fine to offer a small amount of ice cream on occasion if you like, though it can be beneficial to wait until the child is older to serve it regularly.
Babies 4-6 months+ old can have popsicles that are made solely from breast milk or formula with no other ingredients added. This is because breast milk and formula are the only foods and fluids required for babies until 6 months (2).
Don't let your child have ice until they're around 4 years old. Though it may seem like a good idea to let your baby suck on a piece of ice to ease teething pain or cool down on a hot day, ice cubes are a choking hazard.
Advice for parents
According to the Food Standards Agency, ice cubes shouldn't be given to babies and young children (those under five years old).
Also do not use ice or frozen pops because these can cause frostbite of the gums. Make sure any teething rings are filled with distilled water instead of gel in case your baby's new teeth put a hole in a ring.
Bottom line: Based on sensory development and oral motor skills, we don't see any reasons not to give baby a popsicle once they can hold it and self-feed around 6 months of age; however, a baby may tolerate a freeze pop best after 9 months of age. If a younger baby is interested and loving them, great!
Do not give your baby:
Method
Hold off on introducing candy until you are confident that your child has both the skill and molars to safely break down candy in the mouth. For some children this may be around 2-3 years of age, others may take longer.
Toddlers between 12 and 24 months should avoid:
No, infants should not have candy. Their digestive systems are not mature enough to handle added sugars, and candy presents a choking risk. Instead, you can offer mashed fruits like bananas or naturally sweet treats like unsweetened applesauce.
Experts recommend starting solid foods at 6 months, but if your baby is showing signs of readiness for “tasting flavors,” you can start offering small tastes of pureed foods shortly before 6 months. If your baby does not show these signs, do not start. Wait until your baby is ready.
0-4 years old: There is no official guidance but it's recommended that your child does not have any sugar in their diet, apart from natural sugars found in fruit etc. 4-6 years old: No more than 19g of free sugars a day (5 sugar cubes). 7-10 years old: No more than 24g of free sugars a day (6 sugar cubes).
When your baby is just starting solid foods, don't serve whole, raw berries – they could be a choking hazard. Start off by serving your baby cooked, pureed berries with no extra ingredients. It's okay if you don't strain the seeds out of your baby's food – they're not a choking hazard.
Hot dogs. This cookout staple is a choking hazard due to the tube shape and compressibility. If you do choose to give hot dogs to children, it is safest to cut them length wise and in small pieces.
Introducing peanut butter to babies around 4-6 months is an ideal time to test. To introduce peanut butter, we recommend mixing 1-2 teaspoons of peanut butter with 2-3 teaspoons of water, breast milk or formula to thin it out. “I would recommend picking a peanut butter without too many fillers in it,” said Dr. Anvari.
Ice cream may seem like a fun food choice, but added sugar makes it unhealthy for your growing tot. While it is safe for your baby to consume ice cream after six months of age, the CDC recommends waiting until 24 months to include added sugars in your baby's diet.
Strawberries may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready for solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
When can babies have apples? Apples may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age, as long as the fruit is deseeded, cut in an age-appropriate way, and cooked until soft to reduce the risk of choking.
Here are safe, gentle ways to help a teething baby find relief:
How often can it be given? Paracetamol can be given every four to six hours – no more than four times in 24 hours. If you need to give your child paracetamol for more than 48 hours, you should take them to see a doctor.
Early signs of teething include increased drooling, red/swollen gums, fussiness, chewing on hands/toys, ear pulling, flushed cheeks, and disrupted sleep/eating, all stemming from gum discomfort as teeth push through. While a slight temperature increase can occur, high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea are not typical teething signs and warrant a doctor's visit.