Zucchini

Choking risk

Zucchini is a low choking risk once it's cooked soft - the risk comes from firm raw pieces or undercooked batons.

Cook zucchini until you can squash a piece between two fingers, then serve a large soft spear or smooth mash; skip raw chunks and round coins. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.

Allergens

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

Once in a while a zucchini tastes very bitter, from natural plant compounds rather than any allergy. Cooking does not remove it, so discard a strongly bitter one rather than serve it.^[4]

Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.

If baby refuses

Zucchini is mild and usually well accepted. If yours turns it down, try roasting or sauteing for a sweeter, more golden flavor, or stir grated zucchini into a food baby already likes such as pasta sauce or egg. It can take many tries before a new food is accepted.

How to serve

6+ months old

Large soft spear or smooth mash

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

Cook zucchini until soft and serve as a finger-length spear for baby to grip and gnaw. Leave the skin on to help the piece hold together, or peel it for a softer bite. You can also mash it smooth and serve on a pre-loaded spoon, or stir grated cooked zucchini into other foods.

How to cook

Steam or saute spears in a little oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until completely soft. They're done when a piece squashes easily between two fingers.

9+ months old

Small soft pieces

About 1/2 inch, bite-sized

Offer soft-cooked zucchini as small pieces for pincer-grasp practice, or keep offering a larger spear alongside if small pieces are tricky. It also mixes well into mashed potato, pasta, or lentil dishes.

How to cook

Steam, saute, or roast until soft, then cut into bite-sized pieces. A slightly firmer texture is fine now as long as pieces still squash easily.

18+ months old

Bite-sized pieces or slices

Offer slices or bite-sized pieces alongside a fork for utensil practice. Zucchini fits easily into family meals now - try it in pasta sauces, soft fritters, egg dishes, grain bakes, or roasted with a little olive oil. Mild herbs and spices work well.

How to cook

Steam, saute, roast, or grill as part of family meals. As chewing skills grow you can cook it a little less for more texture, but keep it soft enough to squash easily.