Broccoli for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve broccoli to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Broccoli in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Broccoli to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, broccoli should be cooked until completely soft—steaming or boiling florets for about 8-10 minutes. Serve large florets (about the size of an adult thumb, roughly 5-7 cm or 2-3 inches long) so baby can grasp them with a full hand, or mash cooked broccoli finely if your baby is not ready for finger foods. Avoid raw or undercooked broccoli at this age, as it poses both a choking and digestion risk. Ensure the stems are tender and easy to gum.
Serving Instructions
Offer 1-2 steamed or boiled florets (about 30–40g or 1–1.5oz) alongside a variety of flavors and textures. Pair with a source of healthy fat (like olive oil or avocado) and iron (like puréed lentils or meat) for a balanced meal. Broccoli is fiber-rich, and can be gassy for some infants; start with small portions and increase gradually. Always supervise during meals.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Broccoli to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
At 9-18 months, continue steaming or boiling broccoli until soft. Florets can be served whole (bite-sized, about 2-3 cm or 1 inch) or in small pieces, depending on your child’s pincer grasp development. If your toddler is still learning to chew, mash or finely chop. Always test for tenderness before serving. Avoid raw broccoli, as it is difficult to chew and may pose a choking risk.
Serving Instructions
Serve 2-3 small florets (about 40–60g or 1.5–2oz) either whole or chopped, alongside grains and proteins for a balanced plate. Continue to offer broccoli alongside sources of vitamin C and iron to support absorption. Small portions help prevent overwhelming your toddler and reduce food waste. Let your child self-feed for skill development.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Broccoli to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
For children 18 months and up, you may serve cooked broccoli florets in small, manageable pieces (about 1-2 cm or ½–¾ inch). If your child handles chewing well, introduce lightly steamed broccoli for more texture. Supervise meals closely, as choking risk is still present. Continue to avoid hard, raw broccoli pieces until your child can reliably chew and swallow all foods. Broccoli can also be added to mixed dishes, omelets, or pasta for variety.
Serving Instructions
Offer 3-4 bite-sized pieces (about 60–80g or 2–3oz) as a side or added to dishes like pasta, omelets, or casseroles. Broccoli pairs well with cheese, herbs, and mild spices. Maintain a variety of vegetables and introduce new preparations to support adventurous eating. Continue serving with sources of healthy fat and iron for optimal nutrition.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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