Tomato for Babies

Complete guide on how to prepare and serve tomato to your baby, by age.

High in Vitamin CImmune-SupportiveAntioxidant-RichHydratingFiber-RichEasy to DigestHeart-Healthy

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Very Low (1/5)

Choking Hazard

Low (2/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Tomato to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

For babies 6-9 months, peel the tomato first to remove the tough, slippery skin, which reduces choking risk. Offer tomato as a thick, smooth purée or mash until completely soft. Alternatively, serve large tomato wedges with seeds removed for baby to grasp and gum, but always supervise closely. Avoid cherry or grape tomatoes at this stage as they are a choking hazard if not cut appropriately.

Serving Instructions

At this stage, serve tomato in a smooth purée or as a very soft mash, around 1-2 tablespoons (15–30 ml or 0.5–1 fl oz) as part of a meal. Combine with foods rich in iron, like lentil purée or chicken, and add a source of healthy fat—such as a drizzle of olive oil—to help vitamin absorption. Aim for a variety of flavors and textures but always ensure each component is easy for your baby to manage.

How to Serve Tomato to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

For 9-18 months, you can offer ripe tomato slices or wedges with skin removed if possible, as the skin can still be hard to manage for some children. Remove seeds if your child seems to struggle with them. Cherry and grape tomatoes must always be quartered lengthwise to minimize choking risk. If your child prefers smaller pieces, dice the tomato into very small, soft chunks. Always supervise closely as tomatoes are slippery and can still pose a risk.

Serving Instructions

Offer ripe tomato slices, quartered cherry tomatoes, or diced pieces. A serving can be 2-4 tablespoons (30–60 ml or 1–2 fl oz) as part of a nutrient-diverse meal. Pair with cooked vegetables, whole grains, and an iron-rich food like beef or beans. Add a fat source, such as avocado or oil, to support nutrient absorption. As self-feeding skills grow, let your child explore with different shapes under careful supervision.

How to Serve Tomato to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

For children 18 months and older, offer tomato in a variety of shapes: slices, wedges, or diced pieces, with or without skin based on your child's chewing ability. Always cut cherry or grape tomatoes into at least quarters, as they remain a significant choking hazard if left whole. Encourage chewing and self-feeding, but continue supervision as tomatoes are slippery and their round shape still requires care. Including tomato in mixed dishes, salads, or sandwiches is now appropriate.

Serving Instructions

Serve tomato in slices, wedges, cubes, or as part of mixed dishes and salads. A serving size of 3-5 tablespoons (45–75 ml or 1.5–2.5 fl oz) is appropriate as part of a balanced meal. Combine with a source of protein (tofu, egg, fish, or beans) and whole grains. Continue offering healthy fats and ensure a spectrum of colors and nutrients. Encourage your child to self-serve and practice using utensils while still providing supervision, as tomatoes remain slippery.