Vegetable
Zucchini is a wonderful first vegetable for your baby, with its mild flavor and soft texture when cooked. It's packed with vitamins and minerals that support your baby's growth and development, including vitamin A for healthy vision1 and vitamin C to boost their immune system2. Plus, its high water content makes it gentle on little tummies.
You can introduce zucchini around 6 months when your baby starts solids. It's a great early vegetable because it's easy to digest and rarely causes allergies.
Store whole zucchini in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to 1 week. Once cooked and pureed, it can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
6 to 9 monthsSteam or roast zucchini until very soft (easily mashed between fingers). Cut into long, thick spears (about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch wide) that baby can grasp in a fist with part sticking out. The soft texture allows gumming and mashing.
9 to 12 monthsCook until soft but slightly firmer than for younger babies. Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch cubes) or thin slices that baby can practice picking up with developing pincer grasp. You can also grate cooked zucchini into other foods.
12 months +Offer raw zucchini in very thin slices or grated, or cooked to preferred tenderness. Incorporate into family meals like stir-fries, pasta dishes, or as a side vegetable. Continue to monitor for safe chewing.
Zucchini is not a top allergen. As with any new food, offer it on its own and watch for any reaction.
Zucchini provides key nutrients for your baby's development. Its vitamin A supports healthy vision and immune function1, while vitamin C helps with iron absorption and boosts immunity2. The potassium in zucchini helps maintain healthy fluid balance and supports nerve function3, and magnesium contributes to bone health and energy production4.
Pair zucchini with iron-rich foods like lentils or spinach, as the vitamin C in zucchini helps your baby absorb iron more effectively2.
Look for small to medium-sized zucchini that feel firm and have smooth, shiny skin without bruises or soft spots. Smaller ones tend to be more tender and have fewer seeds, which makes them easier to puree.
It's normal for babies to need multiple exposures to accept new foods. Try mixing a small amount of zucchini puree with a food they already enjoy, like sweet potato or banana. Keep offering it without pressure—it can take 10-15 tries before they accept it.
It's best to cook zucchini for babies under 12 months, as cooking softens the texture and makes it easier to digest. For older babies who can handle more texture, you can offer very thin, raw slices if they have several teeth and good chewing skills.