About Beet (Beetroot)
Beet, also called beetroot, is a colorful root vegetable that can be a nutritious addition to your baby's meals. When cooked until very soft, it can be mashed, grated, or served in soft pieces for self-feeding. Its naturally sweet, earthy flavor may appeal to some babies, especially when paired with familiar foods. Beets provide folate for healthy cell growth, fiber to support digestion, and potassium for fluid balance and muscle function. They also contain small amounts of iron and vitamin C. Their bright red-purple pigments come from natural plant compounds, and it's normal for beet to temporarily tint stools or urine pink or red after eating. Beet is not a common allergen, and allergic reactions are uncommon. The main safety concern is texture: raw beet is very hard and can be a serious choking hazard, while cooked beet can be slippery. For babies and young toddlers, always cook until very soft and serve in age-appropriate shapes. Most babies can start beet from 6 months old once ready for solids. Begin with smooth mash or very soft large pieces for baby-led weaning. As chewing skills improve, progress to soft slices, finely chopped pieces, or grated cooked beet. Raw beet should be avoided for younger babies because it is too firm and difficult to chew safely.
How to serve by age
Cook the beet until completely soft. Peel and discard the skin, then offer as a smooth mash or as large soft pieces for baby-led weaning that are easy for baby to grasp.
Serve beet cooked until very soft as flat slices, finely chopped pieces, or grated cooked beet once your baby is developing a pincer grasp. Avoid raw beet and avoid slippery oversized chunks.
Offer soft bite-sized pieces of cooked beet or mix into omelets, grain bowls, patties, yogurt, or other family dishes. Raw shredded beet may be introduced only when your toddler can chew well, but cooked beet remains the safer option.
Pairs well with
Safety & allergens
Raw beet is very hard and should not be offered to babies. Cook beet until completely soft, peel if needed, and serve in age-appropriate shapes. For younger babies, offer mashed beet or large soft pieces they can hold. For older babies and toddlers, offer soft slices or small soft pieces. Be careful with slippery chunks that may slide to the back of the mouth.
What to watch for
Safety checklist
Storage & shelf life
Store cooked beet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Freeze cooked mashed or chopped beet in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Provides folate for healthy growth and cell development
- Contains fiber to support digestion
- Offers potassium for muscle and nerve function
- Adds color and variety to meals
- Not a high-calorie food
- Contains only modest amounts of iron and protein
- Raw beet is too hard for babies and can be a choking hazard
Key nutrients
Nutrition facts
| Calories | 43kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1.6g |
| Carbs | 9.6g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Fiber | 2.8g |
| Sugar | 6.8g |
| Iron | 0.8mg |
| Calcium | 16.0mg |
| Potassium | 325mg |
| Vitamin C | 5mg |
| Vitamin A | 2.0µg |
| Folate | 109µg |
| Zinc | 0.35mg |
per 100 g
In season
Common questions
When can babies eat Beet (Beetroot)?
Is Beet (Beetroot) a choking hazard?
Is Beet (Beetroot) a common allergen?
More first foods
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