Broccoli

Choking risk

Broccoli is a low choking risk once it's cooked soft - a tender floret is one of the easier first finger foods.

Cook broccoli until a floret squashes easily between your finger and thumb, then let baby grip the stem and gnaw the top; skip large, firm raw florets. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.

Allergens

Broccoli is not a common food allergen, so a true food allergy to it is rare.

Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.

If baby refuses

Broccoli can taste a little bitter. Try mixing the puree with sweet potato or carrot, or roast it instead of steaming to bring out a sweeter, milder taste. Keep offering it - repeated tastes of bitter vegetables build lasting acceptance.

How to serve

6+ months old

Large soft floret or puree

A floret with a 2-inch stem as a handle

Offer a whole soft floret with about a 2-inch stem left on as a natural handle - baby grips the stem and gnaws the soft top. Cook it until the floret squashes easily between your fingers. You can also blend steamed broccoli smooth and serve it on a pre-loaded spoon, or mix it with a milder vegetable like sweet potato.^[1]

How to cook

Steam for about 8 to 10 minutes until very soft. Check that a floret squashes easily between your finger and thumb before serving; the stem stays a little firmer for gripping.

9+ months old

Small soft floret pieces

Bite-sized, about 1 inch

As baby starts picking up smaller pieces, cut steamed broccoli into bite-sized florets they can grasp. If small pieces are tricky, go back to a larger floret and let them take bites. Broccoli also mixes well into mashed potato or sweet potato now.^[1]

How to cook

Steam or boil until soft enough to squash easily between your fingers, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

12+ months old

Small pieces, any style

Bite-sized, about 3/4 inch

Break or cut soft cooked broccoli into bite-sized pieces for self-feeding, and offer a fork (pre-loaded if needed). Stir florets into pasta, or roast them with a little olive oil until the edges crisp. A little grated parmesan works well now.

How to cook

Steam, boil, or roast at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes. As chewing skills grow you can cook it a little less for more texture, but keep it soft enough to squash easily.