
Fine to serve from 6 months, prepared as described below. Low choking and allergen risk.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Fine to serve
Suitable at this age with the usual preparation described below.
For babies 6-9 months, spinach should be thoroughly cooked until very soft, then pureed or mashed to a smooth consistency. Steaming or boiling are ideal methods. Avoid serving raw or lightly cooked leaves at this stage, as they may be difficult to gum and present a slight choking risk. Blend with a little breast milk, formula, or water to thin as needed. Offer in small spoonfuls (about 15–30g / 0.5–1 oz per serving) and serve as part of a balanced meal, pairing with foods rich in vitamin C (such as bell pepper or citrus) to help enhance iron absorption.
Start with 15–30g (0.5–1 oz) well-cooked, pureed spinach, offered on its own or mixed with other vegetables, grains, or proteins. Serve as part of a meal that includes a source of vitamin C, like sweet potato or citrus, to support iron absorption. Ensure the texture is smooth and easy to swallow, and observe your baby as they explore new flavors and textures.
Fine to serve
Suitable at this age with the usual preparation described below.
For 9–18 months, continue cooking spinach until soft, offering it chopped very finely or lightly mashed. Avoid large whole leaves or clumps, as these may be harder to manage and could stick to the roof of the mouth. You can mix spinach with soft grains like rice or blend it into omelets or pancakes. Serve between 30–45 g (1–1.5 oz) per meal as part of a balanced plate, still paired with vitamin C-rich foods to maximize iron benefits.
Increase to 30–45g (1–1.5 oz) of cooked, finely chopped or lightly mashed spinach per meal. Offer with grains, egg dishes, or as part of finger foods. Continue to include vitamin C-rich foods at mealtime. Encourage self-feeding if interested, offering spinach in forms that are easy to pick up.
Fine to serve
Suitable at this age with the usual preparation described below.
From 18 months onward, offer well-cooked spinach leaves chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces, or as part of mixed dishes like casseroles, stews, or pasta. While most toddlers can handle small pieces, monitor closely, especially if leaves stick together. Continue pairing spinach with vitamin C-rich foods for optimal iron absorption. Serve 45–60 g (1.5–2 oz) per meal as part of a varied, balanced diet with protein, grains, and healthy fats.
Serve 45–60g (1.5–2 oz) of cooked spinach, cut or torn into manageable pieces, or mixed into family meals like pasta or stews. Continue balancing the plate with protein, complex carbs, and healthy oils, and pair with vitamin C-rich produce. Supervise, especially with larger pieces.
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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:
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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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