For a baby who is just learning to eat bread, soft bread without the crust is more in line with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s introductory advice than crisp toast. First check that the texture is right for your child’s eating skills. Then choose between a half loaf and freezing bread in portions to reduce waste.
You’re looking for a type of bread that suits a child who picks up pieces independently. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, being used to lumpier foods and, for larger pieces, being able to sit, swallow and chew are more important than the size of the pack.
If you only eat small amounts of bread, a half loaf can be practical. Freezing suitable bread in portions is another option, once you’ve checked that the texture is right for your child.
You might read the label because of allergens, or want to know whether the bread is made with iodised baker’s salt. If your child has been prescribed a gluten-free diet, it’s also worth paying attention to sources of iodine in their diet, says the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
For baby-led weaning, first consider the texture and your child’s eating skills, then check the ingredients and how much bread you can use or store.
When it may be suitable: For introducing bread, once your baby is used to trying foods and lumpier textures, this fits with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice.
The trade-off: A half loaf keeps the amount you have on hand small; freezing a whole loaf in portions can also help reduce waste.
When to consider it: Only consider this texture once your child can sit upright and swallow and chew well.
The trade-off: A small pack doesn’t answer the question of whether the hard, dry texture is right for your child. Crisp toast isn’t the type of bread the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends when first introducing bread.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Texture and eating skills | Check whether your baby is used to lumpier foods. For larger pieces, your child should be able to sit upright and swallow and chew well, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. | If my baby is still learning to eat bread, I mainly want to choose a texture that suits their eating skills. Around 42% of consumers put this need first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current packaging for grains and relevant allergens. To find out whether the bread contains iodised baker’s salt, check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt they use. | If an allergen is relevant to my child, or I’m keeping an eye on sources of iodine, I want to know what’s actually in the bread. This check matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare a half loaf with the option of freezing suitable bread in individual portions, and check the storage information for the product you choose. | When we only use a little bread at a time, I want to avoid leaving the rest unused. This is the main purchasing concern for around 25% of consumers. |
The pack size may work for small portions, but it tells you nothing about the texture. For introducing bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends bread without the crust, which you can soften with breast milk or formula if you like.
First, consider what your baby can eat. If soft bread is suitable, you can then choose a smaller quantity or freeze portions.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
For packaged bread, check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt they use. If your child has been prescribed a gluten-free diet, discuss sources of iodine with a doctor or dietitian.
Toast products can vary in their grains and allergens. Albert Heijn also points out that ingredient and allergy information can change.
Read the packaging of the product you’re actually using, especially if an allergen is relevant to your child.
Albert Heijn’s online range includes products such as AH Melba Toast Naturel and Bolletje Geroosterd Brood.
Jumbo lists various toast products, including varieties of Van der Meulen Melba Toast and Jumbo toast.
Jumbo lists plain, multigrain and wholemeal varieties of Van der Meulen Melba Toast.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, you can offer a piece of bread without the crust between 4 and 6 months, but only once your baby is used to trying foods and can manage lumpier textures. For larger pieces using the Rapley method, your child should be able to sit upright and swallow and chew well.
When first introducing bread, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends bread without the crust, which you can soften with breast milk or formula if you like. Don’t judge crisp toast by its small pack size alone; consider its texture and your child’s eating skills too.
No, not all bread is made with iodised baker’s salt. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers aren’t required to use it. Check the ingredients list or ask the baker which salt they use.
A half loaf keeps the amount you have on hand small; freezing suitable bread in individual portions is another option. First choose a bread texture that suits your child, then follow the storage instructions for the product you buy.
