How to serve broccoli by age
6–8 months
Large steamed florets with a long stem as a handle, cooked until the stem squishes easily. Baby gnaws the soft top.
9–11 months
Soft florets broken into small bite-size pieces, or finely chopped and mixed into eggs, rice, or pasta.
12–24 months
Steamed or roasted soft florets with the family, cut into bite-size pieces. Raw broccoli only finely chopped.
Needs special prep: low
choking risk in its raw or whole form
Steam until the stem squishes easily, and offer big florets with the stem as a handle.
Raw florets are hard and crumbly; well-cooked broccoli is soft, though small bits can make baby gag.
Nutrition
- Contains vitamin C and vitamin K.
- Contains folate, fiber and some plant iron.
Preparation tips
- Gagging on broccoli crumbs is normal and noisy; stay calm and let baby work it forward.
- Roast with a little olive oil for flavor.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics · HealthyChildren.org: Starting Solid Foods
- NHS Best Start in Life · Weaning
- CDC · Infant and Toddler Nutrition: Choking Hazards
This is general information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer and methodology.
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