Broccoli is safe for babies from 6 months old. How you prepare it changes as your baby grows. Here is exactly what to do at each stage.
Choking risk: low
Low choking risk with appropriate preparation. Always supervise mealtimes.
Flavor guide
Raw broccoli has a firm, slightly fibrous texture and a sharp, grassy, sulfurous flavor that most babies find too intense. Steaming or roasting transforms it: the sulfur compounds break down, the texture becomes tender and yielding, and a mild, slightly sweet, nutty flavor emerges. It pairs naturally with butter, lemon, parmesan, garlic, potato, and cheddar cheese.
Steam until very soft. Offer the whole floret - the stem acts as a natural handle. Baby will gum the top. Texture should be soft enough to squish easily.
Serving ideas
Soft steamed florets cut into smaller pieces. Can be mixed into eggs, pasta, or grains.
Serving ideas
Roasted, steamed, raw (well-chewed), in soups, stir-fries, or pasta.
Serving ideas
Cut into florets. Blanch for 3 minutes, transfer to an ice bath, drain well, then freeze in a single layer before bagging.
Blanch for 3 minutes before freezing. Keeps for up to 12 months.
Batch prep tip
Steam a whole head of broccoli, separate into florets for older babies and puree half for younger ones. Freeze in portions. Thaw and reheat as needed. Keeps 3 months.
Ingredients
Steps
Freeze steamed florets in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking. The stem handle means you can freeze whole florets and reheat as-is for 6-8 month babies.
When can babies eat broccoli?
Babies can eat cooked broccoli from 6 months old. The floret shape with the stem intact acts as a natural handle, making it easy for young babies to self-feed. Steam until the stem squishes easily with two fingers, about 7 to 9 minutes. Broccoli is not a common allergen and is safe to introduce without any special protocol.
How do I serve broccoli to a 7 month old?
Steam a whole floret with at least 2 inches of stem attached until very soft, about 7 to 9 minutes. The stem becomes the handle and the floret the food. Toss with a little butter and serve at room temperature. The baby gnaws on the floret top and the stem keeps it from going too far into their mouth. This is one of the safest and most intuitive BLW preparations for this age.
Does broccoli cause gas in babies?
Broccoli can contribute to gas in some babies because it contains oligosaccharides, a fermentable fiber. Not all babies are sensitive to it. If your baby is gassy after eating broccoli, try cooking it longer (more thoroughly cooked brassicas are easier to digest), start with smaller amounts, and pair with foods you know are easy on their stomach. Gas from broccoli is uncomfortable but not harmful.
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