Is Spinach safe for baby-led weaning?

Yes, Spinach is safe for baby-led weaning from 6 months old with appropriate preparation. Choking risk is low.

What age can babies eat Spinach?

Babies can start eating Spinach from 6 months old. With baby-led weaning, preparation changes as your baby grows - spears for younger babies, small pieces as they develop their pincer grasp.

Is Spinach a choking hazard for babies?

Spinach has a low choking risk. It is generally considered safe with appropriate preparation.

Can you freeze Spinach for baby?

Wash leaves and remove tough stems. Blanch for 2 minutes, transfer to an ice bath, squeeze out excess water, then freeze in portions.

Spinach

Choking risk: low

Prep by age

6 to 8 months

Wilt in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until completely soft. Chop finely and mix into purees, eggs, or soft grains. Not served as a standalone finger food at this age.

9 to 11 months

Finely chopped wilted spinach mixed into other foods. Baby can start picking up soft cooked pieces.

12+ months

Raw in salads (small leaves), cooked in pasta, eggs, soups, smoothies.

Garden notes

High in oxalates - fine in normal serving amounts. Cool-season crop, bolts in heat.

How to grow for your baby

Spring and fall crop - bolts in heat. Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost or in August.

✦Direct sow 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows.
✦Thin to 6 inches once seedlings are up - baby thinnings are edible.
✦Harvest outer leaves to keep the plant productive for weeks.
✦Use row cover in spring to extend the season past warm days.

Harvest for baby

Harvest young, tender leaves - they wilt down easily for steaming and have less oxalic acid.

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