Bell Pepper for Babies

Complete guide on how to prepare and serve bell pepper to your baby, by age.

High in Vitamin CAntioxidant-RichEasy to DigestHydratingLow in SodiumSupports Immunity

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Very Low (1/5)

Choking Hazard

Low (2/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Bell Pepper to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

For babies aged 6-9 months, bell pepper should be cooked until very soft (steamed or roasted) to make it easy to mash or serve as a soft strip. Offer large, wide strips (about the length and width of two adult fingers, 10cm/4in long and 2cm/0.8in wide) to allow your baby to grasp and gnaw safely, reducing choking risk. You may also finely mince or puree bell pepper for spoon-feeding or to mix into other pureed foods. Always watch for any skin or firm bits, as these can be difficult for little ones to manage.

Serving Instructions

Offer about 1-2 wide strips or 2-3 tbsp (30-45g/1-1.5oz) of cooked bell pepper as part of a meal with iron-rich foods, healthy fat, and soft carbohydrates. Watch for allergic reactions, though bell pepper is a low-allergen food. Bell pepper is a source of vitamin C and can help boost iron absorption from plant sources. Always supervise during eating.

How to Serve Bell Pepper to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

For 9-18 months, bell pepper can be offered as soft, bite-sized pieces (1-2 cm, 0.4-0.8 in) or still as thin strips for self-feeding. Continue to cook peppers until soft and remove tough skin or seeds. Encourage chewing and some self-feeding, but watch for any large or hard pieces. Raw bell pepper can be introduced around 12+ months, but always in small, manageable bits; raw skin can be slippery and challenging for some toddlers.

Serving Instructions

Serve 3-4 bite-sized pieces or strips (about 30-50g/1-1.7oz) of soft or raw bell pepper, paired with protein, healthy fats, and whole grains for variety. Introduce raw bell pepper only if chewing skills are progressing well. Watch for any digestive discomfort if introducing raw peppers for the first time. Continue to supervise closely at meal times.

How to Serve Bell Pepper to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

At 18+ months, toddlers can manage larger pieces and both raw or cooked bell pepper, but always serve in small, easy-to-chew pieces to minimize choking risk. Continue offering bite-sized chunks (around 1-2 cm/0.4-0.8 in) or thin strips, and encourage chewing with molars. Supervise closely, as some children may still struggle with the slippery skin of raw bell pepper. Remove seeds and any tough portions as needed.

Serving Instructions

Offer 4-6 small chunks or strips (40-60g/1.4-2.1oz) of bell pepper as part of a colorful, balanced meal. At this stage, both raw and cooked bell pepper are suitable, depending on your child's preference and chewing ability. Always include a source of protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrate for balanced nutrition. Continue to supervise, especially with raw peppers, to prevent any accidental choking.