When can babies eat Broccoli?
From 6 months
Start with: Smooth puree or soft, large florets with stems.
Broccoli is a superfood for babies, packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. It contains unique plant compounds that support the immune system and bone development. While it can be slightly bitter, its tree-like shape makes it one of the best vegetables for babies to hold and explore during Baby-Led Weaning.
How to serve Broccoli, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Smooth puree or soft, large florets with stems.
Serve as a smooth puree (steamed until very tender and blended with water or breast milk). For BLW, offer large florets with a long stem (adult finger length). Steam or roast until the stem can be easily mashed between your fingers. Note: The crumbly florets may cause gagging; this is a normal part of learning.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Soft, finely chopped pieces.
Offer smaller, bite-sized florets (finely chopped) or soft-cooked stems. At this stage, broccoli is great for the pincer grasp. You can also mix finely chopped cooked broccoli into cheesy pasta, omelets, or quinoa.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Tender roasted or steamed chunks.
Toddlers can enjoy roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of mild cheese or lemon. You can also serve raw broccoli if it is chopped very finely into a slaw, but cooked is still preferred for ease of digestion.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Moderate choking risk
Raw broccoli is hard and can break into dangerous chunks. Always cook until the stem is soft. For early eaters, ensure the florets are large enough to be held but soft enough to disintegrate in the mouth.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
Broccoli has more Vitamin C than an equivalent weight of oranges! It is also exceptionally high in Vitamin K, which is essential for healthy blood and bone growth.
- Brain Food
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 34kcal
- Protein
- 2.8g
- Fat
- 0.4g
- Fiber
- 2.6g
- Iron
- 0.7mg
- Vitamin C
- 89.2mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 34 kcal
- Protein
- 2.8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 6.6 g
- Fat
- 0.4 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.7 mg
- Calcium
- 47 mg
- Zinc
- 0.4 mg
- Sodium
- 33 mg
- Potassium
- 316 mg
- Magnesium
- 21 mg
- Phosphorus
- 66 mg
- Selenium
- 2.5 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- 0.2 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 31 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 89.2 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.8 mg
- Vitamin K
- 101.6 mcg
- Folate
- 63 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 18.7 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 2.6 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Broccoli
Tender Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl
This iron-rich meal combines soft-steamed broccoli and pan-seared beef for a nutritious toddler dinner. The beef is cooked until tender and served over fluffy brown rice to help your little one practice chewing different textures.
Broccoli & Cheese Fritters
Golden, pan-fried fritters packed with steamed broccoli and melted cheddar. Soft enough for baby to bite through but firm enough to hold as a finger food. The cheese melts through and adds a flavor that encourages babies to eat their greens.
Broccoli & Sweet Potato Mash
A vibrant and mild-tasting mash that introduces your baby to the earthy flavor of broccoli softened by the natural sweetness of sweet potato. High in fiber and Vitamin C.
Cheesy Broccoli Egg Muffins
Soft, savory egg muffins with melted cheddar and finely chopped broccoli. High in protein and calcium, these are the perfect BLW lunch that's easy to grab and full of nutrition. Great for batch cooking and meal prep.
Chicken & Broccoli Rice Bowl
A complete, balanced meal combining tender chicken thigh strips with steamed broccoli florets and soft rice. Dark-meat chicken provides twice the iron of breast meat, making this BLW-friendly bowl an iron-rich powerhouse for growing babies.
20-Minute Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese
A quick, one-pot comfort meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This version includes finely chopped broccoli that cooks right with the pasta, making it a great way to introduce greens in a creamy, kid-approved sauce.
Frequently asked
Does broccoli cause bad gas for babies?
Yes, as a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli contains complex sugars that can cause gas. Introduce it in small amounts and ensure it is thoroughly cooked (steamed) to make it easier for the baby's tummy to process.
Should I feed my baby the stems too?
Absolutely! The stems are full of fiber. Just be sure to peel the tough outer skin of the stem before cooking so the inside becomes buttery soft.
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