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Bell Pepper for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

Sweet and bright once cooked, and a big hit of vitamin C. Raw is a choking hazard, so this one gets roasted soft first.

When to introduce: Around 6 months
Common allergen?: No (not a common allergen)
Texture: Soft when roasted or cooked, skin removed
Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, fiber

When can babies eat bell pepper?

Bell pepper is a sweet, mild first food from around 6 months once it is cooked soft. Roasting brings out its sweetness, and peeling off the thin skin makes it much easier for young babies to handle.

How to prepare bell pepper, by age

6 monthsRoast or cook until very soft, peel off the skin, then purée or offer as soft strips your baby can hold.

9 monthsOffer soft, bite-sized cooked pieces (still peeled) as your baby picks up smaller bits.

12 months+Soft cooked strips or small pieces in stews, eggs, and family meals.

Is bell pepper safe? Choking & prep

Do not offer raw bell pepper to babies, as the firm pieces and slippery skin are a choking hazard. Always cook until soft and peel the skin for young babies. Skip added salt.

First time with bell pepper? Log the bite and it lands on your baby's tried-it list, dated and ready for the pediatrician.

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Nutrition

Bell peppers are one of the richest vegetable sources of vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption and immune health, plus vitamin A.

Goes well with

Chicken · Egg · Rice

Storage & freezing

Cooked bell pepper keeps 3 days in the fridge and freezes well once soft.

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat bell pepper?

Around 6 months, cooked until soft with the skin peeled off. Raw bell pepper is a choking hazard.

Why peel the skin?

The thin skin can slip off in one piece and is hard for babies to manage. Roasting makes it easy to peel away.

Are spicy peppers the same thing?

No. Stick to sweet bell peppers. Skip hot or spicy peppers for babies.

Do the different colors matter?

Not much for safety. Red and orange peppers are a bit sweeter and higher in vitamins than green, and any color works cooked soft.

Sources

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How we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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