Vegetable

Broccoli

Broccoli is a wonderful first food for your baby, offering a mild, slightly earthy flavor and a soft texture when cooked. It's packed with nutrients that support your baby's growth, including Vitamin C for immune health¹ and Vitamin K for healthy bones². Plus, its natural fiber helps promote regular digestion³.

PPippin Feeding TeamReviewed by feeding specialists · Updated January 2026

First age6m+

CategoryVegetable

Common allergenNo

Choking riskMedium

When can babies eat Broccoli?

You can introduce broccoli around 6 months when your baby starts solids. It's a great early vegetable because it's easy to puree and mix with other foods.

Storage tip

Store fresh broccoli in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cooked broccoli can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

How to serve Broccoli by age

6 to 9 months

Steam or boil broccoli until very soft - it should mash easily between your fingers. Cut florets into large, spear-shaped pieces about the size of two adult fingers together, with the stem acting as a natural handle. This allows your baby to grasp it easily while practicing their palmar grasp.

Cook until fork-tender - test by pressing between your fingers
Leave some stem attached for easier gripping
Let cool completely before serving
Offer 2-3 spears at a time
Don't worry if they mostly suck on it - that's part of learning

9 to 12 months

Continue cooking broccoli until soft, but you can make pieces slightly smaller as your baby develops their pincer grasp. Cut florets into bite-sized pieces (about the size of a pea) or continue with spears if your baby prefers. You can also mix cooked broccoli into other foods.

Offer both spears and small pieces to practice different grasps
Try roasting with a little olive oil for different flavor
Mix with mashed potatoes or grains
Watch for improved chewing skills
Include in mixed vegetable medleys

12 months +

Your toddler can now handle firmer textures. You can serve broccoli lightly steamed or even raw if cut very small. Include broccoli in family meals like stir-fries, casseroles, or as a side dish. Continue to monitor chewing, especially with raw pieces.

Introduce raw broccoli in very small, rice-sized pieces
Include in family meals to encourage modeling
Try different cooking methods: steaming, roasting, sautéing
Offer with dips like hummus or yogurt
Let them help prepare - washing florets is fun!

Safety & allergens

Choking risk: Medium

Broccoli florets can be a choking hazard if served whole or in large pieces. Always cook until very soft and cut into small, manageable pieces appropriate for your baby's age. For younger babies, puree or mash thoroughly to eliminate any firm bits.

Not a common allergen

Broccoli is not a top allergen. As with any new food, offer it on its own and watch for any reaction.

Vitamins & minerals

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse for babies. Its high Vitamin C content helps boost iron absorption from plant-based foods⁴, which is important for preventing anemia. The Vitamin K supports bone development², and the fiber aids in healthy digestion³.

Vitamins

Vitamin CVitamin KVitamin AVitamin B9

Minerals

IronCalciumPotassiumPhosphorus

Nutritional synergy

Pair broccoli with iron-rich foods like lentils or spinach, as the Vitamin C in broccoli enhances iron absorption⁴. Adding a little healthy fat like olive oil can also help absorb its fat-soluble vitamins.

Common questions

Why does broccoli sometimes cause gas in babies?

Broccoli contains natural fibers and compounds that can produce gas as they digest. This is normal and usually mild. Cooking broccoli thoroughly can help make it easier to digest. If your baby seems uncomfortable, try offering smaller amounts.

Can I use frozen broccoli for baby food?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a convenient and nutritious option. It's often flash-frozen at peak freshness. Just steam or boil until very soft, then puree or mash as needed. Make sure there are no added salts or sauces.

What if my baby doesn't like the taste of broccoli?

It's common for babies to need multiple exposures to accept new flavors. Try mixing broccoli with sweeter vegetables like sweet potato or carrots initially. Keep offering small amounts without pressure—it can take 10-15 tries for babies to develop a taste for it.