Carrot

Choking risk

Raw carrot is a high choking risk - it's hard and round, and both the CDC and AAP name it a top choking food for young children.

Cook carrot until it squashes easily between two fingers, then serve as smooth mash or large soft sticks cut lengthwise - never raw chunks or round coins. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.

Allergens

Carrot 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

Carrot is usually well liked. If yours turns it down, try roasting instead of steaming for more sweetness, or mash it with a food baby already enjoys like sweet potato or parsnip.

How to serve

6+ months old

Large soft stick or smooth mash

Finger-length stick, about the width of two adult fingers

Cook a peeled carrot until completely soft, then halve it lengthwise into a large stick for baby to grip and gnaw, or mash it smooth and serve on a pre-loaded spoon. If a piece breaks off, stay calm and give baby a moment to move it forward.

How to cook

Steam peeled carrots for 15 to 20 minutes, or roast, until completely soft. They're done when a piece squashes easily between two fingers. Add a little cooking water when blending, since carrot mash thickens as it cools.

9+ months old

Small soft pieces or grated

About 1/2 inch, bite-sized

Cut soft-cooked carrot into small pieces for pincer-grasp practice, or offer finely grated cooked carrot, which is easier to pick up. Keep offering a larger stick alongside if baby struggles with small pieces.^[1]

How to cook

Roast at 400°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, or steam until soft. Pieces should still squash easily between two fingers.

24+ months old

Raw quartered sticks or raw grated

With molars in and confident chewing established, raw carrot can go on the menu. Cut it into thin sticks by quartering the carrot lengthwise, so no piece keeps the hard, round shape. Grated raw carrot is a good option, and stirs easily into salads, grain bowls, and slaws. Keep holding back whole raw baby carrots and thick rounds or chunks - their shape and firmness make them a top choking risk, best saved until closer to age 4.