Can Babies Eat Broccoli? Age, Prep, and First Tastes
A green with a built-in handle. Steamed soft, a broccoli tree is easy for little hands to grab and gum, and it nudges the palate past the sweet stuff.
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- When to introduce
- Around 6 months
- Common allergen?
- No (not a top-9 allergen)
- Texture
- Soft when steamed; never raw
- Key nutrients
- Vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, fiber
Broccoli is the rare vegetable that comes with its own handle. Steamed soft, a little broccoli tree is easy for a fist to grab and gum, which makes it a favorite for baby-led weaning from around 6 months. Its slightly bitter, savory taste is a feature, not a bug: it nudges your baby past the sweet stuff early, while they are still open to it.
Prep School: how to prepare broccoli for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées
🍴 Baby-led weaning
🥄 Purées
Is broccoli safe? Choking & prep
The whole safety story with broccoli is texture. Raw broccoli is firm and a choking risk, so cook it until a floret squishes easily between your fingers; if it is still firm, give it longer. Steaming keeps more of the nutrients than boiling.
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Nutrition
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. The vitamin C can help your baby absorb iron from iron-rich foods served in the same meal.
Goes well with
Cheese · Potato · Chicken · Sweet potato
Storage & freezing
Cooked broccoli keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To freeze, blanch it first, then freeze in portions.
More vegetables to explore
Related reading
- Best first vegetables for babies →
- How to cut food to prevent choking →
- Signs your baby is ready for solids →
- Baby-led weaning vs. purées →
Common questions
Is broccoli good for babies?
Yes, broccoli for babies is a genuinely nutritious early vegetable. It brings vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber to the table, and its little-tree shape happens to double as a built-in handle for tiny hands. It is a great way to add some green to those first meals.
How to cook broccoli for baby
- Steam or boil florets until very soft and squishable; they should mash easily between your fingers.
- Steaming keeps more of the vitamins than boiling, so reach for the steamer when you can.
- Roasting is a nice option for older babies who want a different, deeper flavor.
- Skip the salt and heavy butter; your baby does not need them yet.
How to serve broccoli for baby-led weaning
- Steam a whole floret until very soft and hand it over by the stalk, so the little tree becomes a built-in handle.
- Make sure it squishes easily between your fingers; if it is still firm, cook it longer.
- For younger or less confident eaters, chop the soft florets small.
- You can also offer a broccoli puree on a preloaded spoon.
How to serve broccoli by age
- 6 months: soft steamed florets to hold, or broccoli puree.
- 9 months: soft small pieces that work with the developing pincer grasp.
- 12 months and up: soft florets and chopped stems as part of family meals.
Does broccoli cause gas in babies?
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, so it can be a bit gassy. That is completely normal and not a reason to skip it, and the fiber is genuinely good for your baby. If it seems to bother them, offer smaller amounts and build up gradually.
When can babies eat broccoli?
Around 6 months, once your baby is ready for solids. Steamed soft, broccoli is easy to gum and its shape is handy for self-feeding.
How do I prepare broccoli for baby-led weaning?
Steam whole florets until very soft, then hand your baby a floret to hold by the stalk. It should squish easily; if it is still firm, cook it longer.
Does broccoli make babies gassy?
Broccoli can be a little gassy for some babies, but it is usually well tolerated and the fiber is good for them. If it seems to bother your baby, offer smaller amounts and build up.
Can babies eat raw broccoli?
No. Raw broccoli is firm and a choking hazard. Always serve it cooked until soft for babies and young toddlers.
Can babies eat broccoli stems?
Yes, once they are cooked until very soft. The stem is tougher than the florets, so peel the woody outside layer and cook it well before serving, or just save the stems for a puree where the texture disappears.
How do I make broccoli purée?
Steam the florets until very soft, then blend with a little of the cooking water or some breast milk or formula until smooth. Broccoli has a strong flavor, so mixing it with potato or pear can mellow it out for a first taste.
Further reading
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org): Starting Solid Foods
- CDC: Foods and Drinks to Encourage and Limit
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Start tracking for freeLast updated July 2026. Next review January 2027. How we write these: grounded in widely published pediatric guidance (the AAP, WHO, the NIAID 2017 allergen guidelines, and the LEAP study), and pending independent review by a pediatric professional. See our editorial and medical policy for how we research, source, and update these.
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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