Photo needed: broccoli cut for 6 months
6 months
Steam whole florets with a long stalk until soft. Hand over one at a time, stalk first, so your baby holds the handle.
Broccoli for babies
Yes, babies can eat broccoli from around 6 months, steamed until soft. A whole floret with a long stalk is one of the easiest shapes for a baby to hold — the stalk works as a handle and the top gives them something to gnaw.
How to serve broccoli by age
Photo needed: broccoli cut for 9 months
9 months
Smaller soft florets and chopped stalk pieces for pincer practice.
Photo needed: broccoli cut for 12 months and up
12 months and up
However the family eats it — roasted, stirred through pasta, or in a frittata. Keep it soft rather than crunchy.
Choking risk
Raw or firm broccoli is hard and can break into pieces that are difficult to manage. Steam until a floret squashes easily. Keep florets large and whole rather than chopping them into small hard pieces.
Why it is worth offering
- Good source of vitamin C, folate and fibre
- The floret shape holds sauces and mashes well
- An early bitter flavour, and repeated exposure is how babies come to accept those
Broccoli is the classic baby led weaning food because of its shape. A steamed floret is a ready-made handle, which means your baby can succeed at it on the first try.
Recipes with broccoli
- Broccoli and cheese fritters
Soft fritters that hold together in a baby's fist, made with steamed broccoli and a mild cheese. Good for lunch and good cold from the fridge.
Broccoli questions parents ask
Does broccoli cause gas in babies?
It can, as it does in adults. It is not a reason to avoid it. Gas from vegetables is uncomfortable rather than harmful, and usually settles as your baby gets used to the food.
My baby spits out broccoli. Should I stop?
No. Bitter green vegetables often take ten or more exposures before a baby accepts them. Keep offering it without pressure, and let your baby see you eat it.
Foods often served alongside
Medically reviewed by TODO REVIEWER NAME, RD, pediatric dietitian — last reviewed . See our editorial and review policy.