When can babies eat Parsnip?
From 6 months
Start with: Velvety puree or soft spears.
Parsnips are creamy, sweet root vegetables related to carrots. They are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which aids digestion and prevents constipation. They are also rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Folate. Their natural sweetness makes them a favorite for babies transitioning to solids.
How to serve Parsnip, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Velvety puree or soft spears.
Serve as a smooth puree. Peel and steam until very soft, then blend. For BLW, offer large, soft-roasted spears (about the size of two adult fingers). If the parsnip is very large, remove the tough, woody core before cooking to ensure a smooth texture.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Soft-cooked bite-sized pieces.
Offer soft-cooked cubes or 'coins' for practicing the pincer grasp. Parsnips become slightly sweet and caramelized when roasted, which babies often prefer. You can also mix mashed parsnip with proteins like salmon or chicken.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Tender roasted chunks or mash.
Toddlers can enjoy roasted parsnip 'fries' or parsnips mashed with a little bit of butter and herbs like thyme. They are a great alternative to white potatoes for adding variety to the diet.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Low choking risk
Like carrots, parsnips are only a risk if served raw. Always cook until buttery soft. Remove the woody center of larger parsnips as it can be difficult for babies to gum effectively.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
Parsnips have a higher fiber content (4.9g) than carrots, making them excellent for babies prone to constipation. They also provide a significant amount of potassium for heart health.
- Digestion-friendly
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 75kcal
- Protein
- 1.2g
- Fat
- 0.3g
- Fiber
- 4.9g
- Iron
- 0.6mg
- Vitamin C
- 17mg
See all nutrients (24)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 75 kcal
- Protein
- 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 0.3 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.6 mg
- Calcium
- 36 mg
- Zinc
- 0.6 mg
- Sodium
- 10 mg
- Potassium
- 375 mg
- Magnesium
- 29 mg
- Phosphorus
- 71 mg
- Selenium
- 1.8 mcg
- Copper
- 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- 0.6 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 17 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- < 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 1.5 mg
- Vitamin K
- 22.5 mcg
- Folate
- 67 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 4.9 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Parsnip
Beef & Root Vegetable Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked stew made with tender beef, carrot, parsnip, and potato. This iron-rich meal is one of the best ways to introduce red meat to your baby, with vegetables that melt into a nourishing, naturally thick sauce.
Carrot & Parsnip Sticks with Cream Cheese Dip
Steamed root vegetable sticks served with a simple cream cheese dip. Carrots and parsnips become wonderfully soft when steamed, making them perfect first finger foods. Parsnips have a naturally sweet flavour that most babies love.
Savory Chicken, Carrot & Parsnip Puree
A hearty, protein-rich meal. The earthy sweetness of parsnips and carrots perfectly complements tender chicken, providing essential iron and Vitamin A for your baby's growth and immunity.
Lamb & Sweet Root Vegetable Mash
A nourishing and hearty meal. The rich iron content of lamb is paired with sweet carrots and parsnips to create a balanced, easy-to-digest puree for growing babies.
Roasted Chicken and Root Vegetable Traybake
A wholesome one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken thighs and naturally sweet root vegetables. Roasting the carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes makes them soft and easy for toddlers to chew while concentrating their flavors.
Frequently asked
Why do I need to remove the core of the parsnip?
In larger, older parsnips, the center core can become very woody, fibrous, and even slightly bitter. For a baby's first tastes, removing this ensures the texture is perfectly smooth and the flavor is sweet.
Is parsnip better than potato for my baby?
Both are great, but parsnips offer more fiber, Vitamin C, and Folate than regular white potatoes. They also have a lower glycemic index, providing more stable energy.
Track Parsnip in the Nica app
Log foods, track reactions, and plan meals — all in one place.
