Veggies Food Library
When can babies have broccolini?
Can babies have broccolini?
Babies can have broccolini from about 6 months when it is steamed until soft and blended smooth. From about 7–8 months, the long, thin stems make soft-cooked broccolini an easy, built-in handle for self-feeding. Raw or crunchy broccolini is a choking risk, so cook it until a stem squashes easily between your fingers.
How to serve broccolini by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Steam broccolini for 8 to 10 minutes until very soft, trim off the woody ends, then blend the tops and tender stems with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula into a smooth puree. Mix it with potato or avocado and offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Mash very soft cooked broccolini florets into potato or avocado for a lumpier texture, or offer a whole steamed spear so baby can grab the stem and gnaw on the floret. The stem should squash easily between your thumb and finger.
9–12 months
Cut soft-cooked broccolini into small, bite-size pieces about the size of a pea for pincer grasp practice. Mix chopped broccolini into pasta, omelets, fried rice or quesadillas.
12 months +
Toddlers can have roasted or sauteed broccolini in pieces, still cooked until tender. Try it with pasta, stir-fries or as a side with a yogurt dip, and keep cooking it soft until your toddler chews well.
Why it’s good
Broccolini gives babies vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and fiber. The vitamin C helps babies absorb iron from other foods on the plate, like beans, lentils or fortified cereal. Broccolini is milder and slightly sweeter than broccoli, which many babies like.
Safety notes
- Cook broccolini until the stems are soft and squash easily between your thumb and finger. Raw or crisp broccolini is a choking risk for babies and toddlers.
- Trim the bottom inch of the stems, which can stay woody and stringy even after cooking.
- Roasting can leave the floret tips crispy. Cover the pan or add a splash of water for baby's portion so florets stay soft, and remove any charred, dry bits.
- Broccolini, like other green veggies, contains natural nitrates. For babies under 12 months, refrigerate cooked broccolini promptly and serve it as part of a varied mix of vegetables.
- Cabbage-family veggies can cause extra gas in some babies. Start with a small portion and increase as your baby is comfortable.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Broccolini is not a common allergen, and reactions are rare. Children who react to other cabbage-family vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower may react to broccolini too, so watch for hives, itchy mouth or vomiting.
Broccolini for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about broccolini for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have broccolini?
Babies can have broccolini from about 6 months, once they show signs of being ready for solids. Broccolini should always be cooked until soft for babies.
Can babies have broccolini?
Yes, babies can eat broccolini, cooked soft and blended smooth at first. From about 7–8 months, the long stems give babies something to hold while the soft floret is easy to gum.
Is broccolini a choking hazard for babies?
Broccolini can be a choking hazard when it is raw, undercooked or roasted until crispy. Broccolini cooked until the stems squash easily is a much lower risk, and you should always stay with your baby while they eat.
Is broccolini a common allergen?
No, broccolini is not a common allergen. Broccolini allergy is rare, though babies sensitive to related vegetables like broccoli could react.
How do I serve broccolini to a 6 month old?
To serve broccolini to a 6 month old, steam it until very soft, trim the woody ends, and blend it into a smooth puree with a little liquid or mashed potato. Offer it on a spoon. Whole soft spears to hold can follow at 7–8 months.
What is the difference between broccolini and broccoli for babies?
Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, with thinner stems, smaller florets and a sweeter taste. Broccolini can be easier for babies to hold, while both need to be cooked soft before serving.
Can babies have broccolini stems?
Yes, babies can eat broccolini stems as long as the stems are cooked until soft and the woody bottom ends are trimmed. The thin upper stems of broccolini turn tender faster than thick broccoli stems.
Does broccolini cause gas in babies?
Broccolini can cause some gas in babies because it is a cabbage-family vegetable with fiber and natural sulfur compounds. Gas from broccolini is usually mild, and starting with small portions helps.
Can I use frozen or roasted broccolini for my baby?
Yes, frozen broccolini is fine for babies once it is cooked until fully tender. Roasted broccolini works too if the florets stay soft, so cover the pan or add a little water and avoid crispy, charred tips.
The takeaway
- Babies can have broccolini from about 6 months when it is steamed until soft and blended smooth.
- Steam broccolini for 8 to 10 minutes until very soft, trim off the woody ends, then blend the tops and tender stems with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula into a smooth puree.
- Choking risk is medium. Not a Top 9 allergen, but offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.