How to prepare carrots for babies
Carrots might seem like one of the simplest vegetables on the plate, but when it comes to feeding your baby, this bright, crunchy classic is a real superstar.
What’s so good about carrots
Carrots are a source of a plant-based version of vitamin A, called beta carotene. This can help support the development of normal vision, especially when it’s dark. They can also provide useful amounts of fibre. Plus, the good news is that carrots are in season virtually all year round, so your baby can benefit from their goodness whenever you’re ready to start weaning.
How can I prepare carrots for my baby?
Carrots are ideal first foods for babies from 6 months of age. Carrots can be prepared as a smooth puree or as a soft finger food but should always be cooked well until very soft.
How should I serve carrots to my baby?
Carrots from 6 months+
Puree: to serve carrots to a baby, cook well (either in boiling water or by steaming), until soft and then blend into a puree with a little of baby’s usual milk or cooking water. Try our carrot recipe here
Cooked sticks: carrots are also a fantastic finger food if cut into batons about the size and shape of your index finger and boiled or steamed until they’re soft enough to squish easily between your thumb and finger (or under a fork).
You can continue to offer carrot batons to babies as finger food as they get older, or you can use them in meals.
Carrots from 7 months+
Mash: cook until very soft, then mash them up with other foods when your little one is eating more textured meals.
From 10 months+
Bite-sized pieces: well-cooked, soft chunks of carrot, about the size of a pea, are great as part of a mixed meal, when served in a thick puree e.g. in a cottage pie, dhal or stew
From 12 months+
Bite-sized pieces of carrot can be offered in less or no sauce, as long as they are well-cooked, until soft enough to squish under a fork.
From 18 months+
Raw carrot, grated: you can serve raw carrot finely grated, for example in a sandwich or as a side with a picky plate
How do I store cooked carrots for my baby?
Leftover cooked pureed carrot or cooked carrot sticks may be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for 24-48 hours. You can freeze pureed carrot by decanting the puree into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-bag, labelled with the date and store for up to a month. Never store uneaten food left in your little one’s bowl.
Before storing leftovers, make sure they’re completely cool within 2 hours of cooking, by standing the container of carrots in a bowl of cold water. Once it’s completely cool, you can store in the fridge or freezer.
How should I reheat prepared carrots for my baby?
Reheat carrot puree from the fridge by heating in a pan, adding a little of baby’s usual milk to loosen if needed. Make sure it’s piping hot and then cool before offering to your baby.
Cooked carrot sticks can be steamed until hot before cooling and serving.
Frozen carrot puree must be completely defrosted before reheating, ideally covered in the fridge overnight or in a microwave.
Sensory fun with carrots
Play a game of space rockets with a whole carrot taking off from your little one’s highchair. Let your baby or toddler hold a carrot so they can feel the hard, ridged surface under their fingers.
Older children can play a game of guess the veg. Put different types of vegetables into a bag or a box so your child can’t see. Put your hand inside and take the carrot. Describe the shape and size e.g. long and pointy, like a rocket. If your child can’t guess, pretend to take a peek and tell them about the orange colour. Once they’ve guessed, bring the carrot out with a big “Ta-dah!” and let them explore it with all their senses.
Yummy carrot recipes to try
Carrots aren’t just a side of plate afterthought. Try some of our yummy recipes suitable for babies, toddlers and the whole family!
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