Broccolini for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve broccolini to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Broccolini to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, broccolini should be cooked until very soft—steaming or boiling for 6-8 minutes works well. Serve the entire stalk with florets, as this makes it easier for baby to grasp and self-feed using their palmar grasp. Avoid cutting into small pieces at this age, as larger stalks with the floret attached help reduce choking risk and make it less likely to break into small, hard bits. If your child prefers, you may also mash the florets with a fork or blend into a purée with a little water or breast milk for an even smoother texture.
Serving Instructions
Start with one or two broccolini stalks (about 20-30g/0.7-1oz), fully cooked, as part of a meal containing a source of iron (like lentils or beans) and healthy fats (such as a drizzle of olive oil). Serve the whole stalk with floret to encourage self-feeding and offer water alongside. Broccolini pairs nicely with mashed root veggies or soft grains for a varied, balanced introduction.
How to Serve Broccolini to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For children 9-18 months, continue cooking broccolini until fork-tender. Offer the whole stalk with florets or cut the stalk into short, thick strips (about the length and width of a child's finger, ~5-7cm/2-2.75in long). This shape supports developing pincer grasp and helps with self-feeding. If your child prefers smaller pieces, finely chop florets and stalk; soft broccolini can be added to omelets, pasta, or mashed for spreading. Always double-check that the stalk is soft enough to squish between fingers to prevent choking.
Serving Instructions
Serve 2-3 broccolini stalks (30-40g/1-1.4oz), cooked until soft, alongside a protein (such as egg or shredded chicken) and a whole grain (like rice or toast sticks). Broccolini can be chopped and mixed into dishes for more variety. Continue to offer water and ensure mealtime supervision to support safe chewing and swallowing.
How to Serve Broccolini to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
After 18 months, broccolini can be served cooked until still tender but not mushy. Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm/0.4-0.8 in) or continue to offer florets whole if your child prefers. Encourage self-feeding with utensils. Soft, manageable pieces can be tossed into mixed meals like stir-fries, casseroles, or grain bowls. Remind children to take small bites and chew thoroughly, as larger or firmer pieces can still be a choking hazard for some.
Serving Instructions
Portion size varies, but 35-50g/1.25-1.75oz cooked broccolini is a good guideline as part of a balanced meal with protein and healthy fats. Serve chopped or whole florets and encourage self-feeding with utensils. Broccolini works well mixed into a wide range of dishes, helping promote food variety and continued veggie acceptance.
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