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Carrots for Babies: When and How to Introduce Them

Bright, sweet, and loaded with vitamin A. Cook it soft and carrot is an easy win. Serve it raw and it's a choking hazard, so we don't.

When to introduce: Around 6 months
Common allergen?: No (not a common allergen)
Texture: Soft when well cooked; never raw
Key nutrients: Vitamin A (beta-carotene), fiber

When can babies eat carrot?

Cooked carrot is a great early vegetable from around 6 months. Sweet enough to be appealing, and once it is soft, sturdy enough to hold as a baton. Steam or roast it until it squishes easily between your fingers.

How to prepare carrot, by age

6 monthsSteam or roast until very soft, then purée, or cut into soft finger-length batons for baby-led weaning.

9 monthsSoft small cubes, or coins cut in half so they are not a round choking shape.

12 months+Roasted or grated into meals. Still cook it soft.

Is carrot safe? Choking & prep

Never raw. Raw carrot (including hard sticks) is a well-known choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Cook until soft, and cut round cooked coins into smaller pieces. Skip added salt.

Nutrition

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A for eyes and immune health, plus fiber.

Goes well with

Lentils · Chicken · Potato · A pinch of cumin

Storage & freezing

Cooked carrot keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freezes well as a purée.

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat carrots?

Around 6 months, cooked until soft. Their natural sweetness tends to go over well, and soft-cooked batons are handy for self-feeding.

Can babies eat raw carrots?

No. Raw carrot is firm and a choking hazard for babies and young toddlers. Always cook it soft. Raw sticks are for much older children who chew well.

How do I prepare carrots for baby-led weaning?

Steam or roast batons until very soft, so they squish easily. The softness matters more than the shape.

Why does my baby have an orange tinge?

Eating a lot of beta-carotene foods like carrot and sweet potato can give skin a harmless orange tint. It fades as the diet varies, and it is not the same as jaundice.

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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