Chard for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve chard to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Chard to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, chard leaves should be cooked until very soft and then finely pureed or mashed. Remove any tough stems, as these can be difficult for your baby to gum and may increase choking risk. You can steam or sauté the leaves, then blend with a small amount of water, breast milk, or formula. Serve plain or mixed with iron-rich foods like lentils or chicken. The goal is a smooth, lump-free purée that is easy to swallow. Offer about 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) as part of a balanced meal.
Serving Instructions
At this age, chard should be served well-cooked and pureed, and offered as a small part (about 1-2 tablespoons or 15-30 ml) of a balanced meal that also includes a source of iron (such as lentils, chicken, or beef), a starchy vegetable or grain, and some healthy fats. Limit chard to 1-2 times a week, as its oxalate content can bind minerals, and rotate with other leafy greens. Introduce chard alone at first to observe any reaction.
How to Serve Chard to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For children 9-18 months, chard can be served as soft-cooked strips or small, bite-sized pieces that your child can pick up and self-feed. Always cook the chard until completely soft, and continue to remove any fibrous stems that could be stringy or tough. You can chop the chard leaves into small pieces or offer them in strips (about the width of two adult fingers) for practice with biting and chewing. It’s still best to avoid raw chard at this stage and to cut to prevent choking. Mixing chard with grains, eggs, or soft-cooked vegetables increases nutrition and makes it easier for your child to handle.
Serving Instructions
For this stage, offer chard as soft strips or small pieces, with a serving size of 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml). Combine with sources of iron (like beans, fish, or red meat), whole grains or root vegetables, and a healthy fat. Continue to rotate leafy greens weekly. Incorporate chard into omelets, casseroles, or mixed vegetable dishes for variety, and supervise your child to prevent choking.
How to Serve Chard to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
After 18 months, chard can be served as part of family meals, either chopped, mixed into dishes like omelets, pasta, or casseroles, or even as a cooked salad. While older toddlers can handle slightly firmer textures, continue to offer chard well-cooked to minimize choking risk. You can offer larger bite-sized pieces or continue with strips. Some children may enjoy eating cooked chard leaves whole, but always supervise during meals to prevent choking. Avoid offering large fibrous stems unless they are very soft.
Serving Instructions
Serve chard as part of the family meal, chopped or mixed into casseroles, pasta, or egg dishes. Typical serving size is 3-4 tablespoons (45-60 ml). Always ensure it is well-cooked and soft. Continue rotating greens for a varied nutrient profile and combine with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Children learn by example, so offer chard as you would any family food, without pressure.
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