Potato

Choking risk

Well-cooked potato is a low choking risk - soft and easy for babies to manage.

Cook it until a piece squashes easily between two fingers, and never serve it raw or firm. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.

Allergens

Potato is not a common food allergen, so a true allergy to it is rare.^[2]

A potato allergy can happen but is unusual, and it most often shows up in babies who already have eczema or other food allergies. Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.^[2]

If baby refuses

Potato is one of the more reliably accepted first foods. If it's turned down, switch the shape - creamy mash, a soft wedge, or small soft pieces - and serve it warm, since cold potato is often the real reason.

Food safety

Green spots and sprouts mean a potato has built up solanine, which can upset a baby's stomach, and cooking doesn't remove it.^[3]

Cut away any green parts or sprouts before cooking, or toss a potato that's heavily green or sprouted. Store them somewhere cool and dark to slow greening, and scrub well before cooking.^[4]

How to serve

6+ months old

Large soft wedge or smooth mash

Wedge about the width of two adult fingers

Serve smooth mash on a pre-loaded spoon, or a large soft wedge for baby to grip and gnaw. Stir a little breast milk, formula, or a little olive oil into the mash for richness, and keep it unsalted. Skin can stay on for grip, but peel it for younger or less confident eaters.

How to cook

Cut away any green parts or sprouts first. Boil or steam peeled chunks for 20-25 minutes, or bake whole at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, until completely tender. Don't add salt to the water. The flesh should squash easily between two fingers before serving.^[3]

9+ months old

Bite-sized soft pieces

About 1/2 inch

Offer small soft pieces of cooked potato for pincer-grasp practice. If baby struggles to pick up small pieces, set a soft wedge or some mash alongside. Skin can be left on or removed at this stage.

How to cook

Boil, steam, bake, or roast until tender, cutting away any green parts or sprouts first. Pieces should squash easily between two fingers. Keep it unsalted and skip frying.

12+ months old

Bite-sized pieces or soft wedges

Offer bite-sized pieces or soft wedges with a fork for utensil practice. Potato fits family meals now - mash beside fish or chicken, soft roasted wedges, or stirred into soups and stews. Keep it unsalted, and skip chips and fries.^[5]

How to cook

Boil, steam, bake, or roast as part of family meals, cutting away any green parts or sprouts first. You can leave a little more texture as chewing skills grow, but keep pieces soft enough to squash easily.