Eggplant for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve eggplant to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Eggplant to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, eggplant should be cooked until very soft—steamed, baked, or roasted. Remove the skin if it’s thick or tough, as it can be difficult for new eaters to manage. Cut the flesh into large strips (about the width of two adult fingers, roughly 4-5 cm/1.5-2 in wide and 8-10 cm/3-4 in long) so baby can grasp and gnaw safely. Alternatively, mash cooked eggplant with a fork and serve as a pre-loaded spoon or spread on soft toast for self-feeding practice. Always check for any seeds that may be hard or too chunky.
Serving Instructions
Offer 1-2 strips or 2-3 tablespoons (30-45g/1-1.5 oz) of cooked eggplant as part of a meal with iron-rich foods (like lentils or beef), healthy fats, and a vitamin C source to support iron absorption. Soft, cooked eggplant is easy to mash for babies who aren’t ready for strips. Always serve in a calm, distraction-free space, ensuring baby is seated upright.
How to Serve Eggplant to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
At this stage, continue to cook eggplant until fully tender. You can begin to offer smaller pieces—diced into cubes about 1-2 cm (½ in) or thin half-moon slices—so your child can practice picking up smaller bites with their fingers. Continue to watch for tough skin or large seeds, and remove these as needed. Older babies may enjoy mashed or finely chopped eggplant mixed into grains, sauces, or spreads. Let your child self-feed to build confidence and skills, always staying close to supervise.
Serving Instructions
Serve 2-4 tablespoons (30-60g/1-2 oz) of tender, bite-sized eggplant with a mix of vegetables, grains, and a protein source. Combine with olive oil or tahini for healthy fats, and add fruits or tomatoes for vitamin C. Encourage self-feeding and offer water with meals. Continue to keep pieces soft and manageable, and stay attentive for signs of fullness.
How to Serve Eggplant to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
For toddlers 18 months and older, offer eggplant in a variety of ways: sliced into rounds, sticks, chopped, or mashed. Toddlers often enjoy more textures and shapes, so try including eggplant in casseroles, pasta dishes, or as a finger food alongside other vegetables. Always cook until soft and watch for any stringy skin or large seeds. Encourage your child to help themselves and practice using a fork or spoon.
Serving Instructions
Offer 3-5 tablespoons (45-75g/1.5-2.5 oz) cooked eggplant in various preparations, such as curries, stews, pasta sauces, or as finger food. Balance the meal with grains, proteins (like chicken, lentils, eggs), and a mix of colorful vegetables. Let toddlers experiment with forks or spoons, and always supervise to prevent overeating or swallowing large pieces.
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