How to serve spinach by age
6–8 months
Cooked spinach, finely chopped and mixed into mashed potato, omelet strips, or pancakes baby can hold.
9–11 months
Finely chopped cooked spinach stirred into rice, pasta, eggs, or lentils so it clings to bite-size pieces.
12–24 months
Chopped cooked spinach in family dishes; raw baby spinach only finely chopped into salads or wraps.
Needs special prep: low
choking risk in its raw or whole form
Chop cooked spinach finely and mix it into other foods.
Whole wilted leaves can stick to the roof of the mouth and cause gagging.
Nutrition
- Contains plant iron and folate.
- Contains vitamin K and beta-carotene.
Preparation tips
- Blanch briefly and squeeze out the water before chopping; it chops finer and tastes milder.
- Serving it with a vitamin C food like tomato, bell pepper or orange is a nice pairing: vitamin C improves iron absorption.
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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