Tomato sauce for Babies

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

High in Vitamin CImmune-SupportiveEasy to DigestSupports Iron AbsorptionHydrating

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Very Low (1/5)

Choking Hazard

Very Low (1/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Tomato sauce to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

Not applicable. Tomato sauce is naturally smooth or can be pureed for infants; no cutting is necessary. If homemade, ensure the sauce is blended well and strained if needed for extra smoothness. Avoid chunky or thick sauces at this stage. Homemade sauce should be free of added salt and sugar, and avoid large herb or spice pieces. Always serve at room temperature or slightly warmed (never hot) for your baby's safety.

Serving Instructions

Offer 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of plain, unsalted and unsweetened tomato sauce as part of a balanced meal that includes a source of iron (such as puréed beans, lentils, or meat), a healthy fat (like a drizzle of olive oil), and a soft, iron-fortified grain. The vitamin C in tomato sauce can help increase iron absorption. Introduce sauce on a pre-loaded spoon, or mix into purées or soft grains. Always supervise, and start with small amounts to watch for any reactions.

How to Serve Tomato sauce to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

Not applicable. Tomato sauce is smooth and does not require cutting. You may choose to offer a slightly thicker or textured sauce by mixing in finely chopped soft vegetables, but ensure there are no large chunks or stringy bits. Continue to avoid added salt and sugar. Blend or mash as needed to suit your child’s ability to manage small textures. Always check temperature before serving, keeping it warm but not hot.

Serving Instructions

Increase to 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of tomato sauce as part of a varied meal with iron-rich foods, whole grains, and healthy fats. Tomato sauce can be served over pasta, rice, soft cooked vegetables, or used as a dip for soft finger foods. Vitamin C continues to support iron absorption from plant foods. Continue to avoid added salt and excess sugar. Encourage self-feeding with a pre-loaded spoon or allow dipping with supervision.

How to Serve Tomato sauce to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

Not applicable. Tomato sauce does not require cutting. At this stage, you may offer tomato sauce with more pronounced textures, such as finely diced cooked vegetables or soft pieces of tomato, but still avoid large or tough pieces. Begin to introduce mild herbs or seasoning (still avoiding excess salt). Continue to serve the sauce as a dip or topping, ensuring the temperature is safe before serving.

Serving Instructions

Offer 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml) of tomato sauce as part of balanced meals, pairing with whole grain pasta, brown rice, lentils, beans, fortified grains, and a variety of vegetables and healthy fats. Tomato sauce can now be thicker with added soft vegetable pieces, and can serve as a dip for grain-based or vegetable-based finger foods. Continue to supervise during meals, and gradually introduce new mild seasonings. Monitor tolerance and preferences.