Broccoli for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Broccoli?

Most babies can start Broccoli from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Cook broccoli until very soft before serving. For younger babies, offer large steamed florets with a soft stalk to hold or finely chopped soft broccoli mixed into mash. For older babies and toddlers, serve small soft pieces. Avoid raw, firm, or undercooked broccoli, and avoid tough stalk coins or hard round pieces.

Q: Is Broccoli a choking hazard?

Broccoli is rated Moderate choking risk. Cook broccoli until very soft before serving. For younger babies, offer large steamed florets with a soft stalk to hold or finely chopped soft broccoli mixed into mash. For older babies and toddlers, serve small soft pieces. Avoid raw, firm, or undercooked broccoli, and avoid tough stalk coins or hard round pieces.

Q: Is Broccoli a common allergen?

Broccoli is not a common allergen. Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. If your child has pollen-food syndrome or has reacted to other cruciferous vegetables, cooked broccoli may be better tolerated than raw.

About Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense green vegetable from the cruciferous family that can be a great food for babies once it is cooked until very soft. Its tree-like shape can be easy for early self-feeders to hold, especially when served as a large steamed floret with a soft stalk for gripping. It provides vitamin C, folate, fiber, and vitamin A precursors that support immune health, cell growth, and healthy digestion. Broccoli also contains some iron and potassium, and its vitamin C can help the body absorb iron from other foods served in the same meal. Broccoli is not a common allergen, and true allergy is rare. Some children may have mild oral irritation or oral allergy syndrome, especially if they are sensitive to certain pollens or other raw plant foods, but cooked broccoli is often better tolerated. The bigger concern for babies is texture: raw or undercooked broccoli is firm and can be a choking hazard. Most babies can start broccoli from 6 months old if it is steamed or roasted until very soft. Begin with large soft florets for self-feeding or finely chopped soft broccoli mixed into other foods. As your child develops chewing skills and a pincer grasp, progress to smaller pieces and then bite-sized portions with meals.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Large very soft steamed florets or finely chopped soft broccoli

Serve large steamed florets cooked until very soft so baby can hold the stalk and gnaw the top. You can also finely chop or mash soft broccoli into potato, lentils, or other foods.

9+ months

Small soft pieces

Once your baby is developing a pincer grasp, offer small soft pieces of well-cooked broccoli. Make sure the florets and stalk are tender enough to mash easily between your fingers.

12+ months

Bite-sized soft broccoli with meals

Offer bite-sized pieces of soft-cooked broccoli as part of mixed meals or alongside dips and grains. You can gradually cook it a little less as chewing skills improve, but it should still be tender.

18+ months

Soft broccoli florets or chopped pieces

Toddlers can usually manage soft florets or chopped broccoli with meals. Continue to avoid raw, very firm broccoli unless your child is an experienced chewer and can manage it safely.

Pairs well with

Olive oil or unsalted butterSweet potatoCheddar cheese for toddlers or babies already introduced to dairySalmonChickenLentilsRice or quinoa

A note on ages

These age ranges are general guidelines. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child's readiness signs and consult your pediatrician.

Safety & allergens

Choking riskModerate

Cook broccoli until very soft before serving. For younger babies, offer large steamed florets with a soft stalk to hold or finely chopped soft broccoli mixed into mash. For older babies and toddlers, serve small soft pieces. Avoid raw, firm, or undercooked broccoli, and avoid tough stalk coins or hard round pieces.

What to watch for

Rash or hivesItching or tingling in the mouthSwelling of lips, face, or tongueVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

✓Cook until very soft and easy to mash between fingers

✓Do not serve raw or undercooked broccoli to babies

✓Offer large soft florets for beginners or small soft pieces for older babies

✓Avoid tough stalk rounds or hard bite-size chunks

✓Ensure baby is sitting upright

✓Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store unwashed broccoli in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days. Once cooked, refrigerate in an airtight container and use within 3 days.

ⓘ

Freeze cooked broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat until warm, then cool before serving.

Nutrition

Very high in vitamin C to support immunity and iron absorption
Provides fiber to support healthy digestion
Contains folate for growth and development
Offers potassium for muscle and nerve function

Low in calories, so it is not a concentrated energy source
Contains only small amounts of fat
Not a major source of protein or iron on its own

Key nutrients

Vitamin C

Supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron

Folate

Supports healthy growth and cell development

Fiber

Helps support healthy digestion and regular stools

Nutrition facts

Calories	34kcal
Protein	2.8g
Carbs	6.6g
Fat	0.4g
Fiber	2.6g
Sugar	1.7g
Iron	0.7mg
Calcium	47.0mg
Potassium	316mg
Vitamin C	89mg
Vitamin A	31.0µg
Folate	63µg
Zinc	0.41mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Broccoli?

Most babies can start Broccoli from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Cook broccoli until very soft before serving. For younger babies, offer large steamed florets with a soft stalk to hold or finely chopped soft broccoli mixed into mash. For older babies and toddlers, serve small soft pieces. Avoid raw, firm, or undercooked broccoli, and avoid tough stalk coins or hard round pieces.

Is Broccoli a choking hazard?

Broccoli is rated Moderate choking risk. Cook broccoli until very soft before serving. For younger babies, offer large steamed florets with a soft stalk to hold or finely chopped soft broccoli mixed into mash. For older babies and toddlers, serve small soft pieces. Avoid raw, firm, or undercooked broccoli, and avoid tough stalk coins or hard round pieces.

Is Broccoli a common allergen?

Broccoli is not a common allergen. Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. If your child has pollen-food syndrome or has reacted to other cruciferous vegetables, cooked broccoli may be better tolerated than raw.