No. 70 · Veggies Passport food
When can babies eat mushrooms?
Can babies eat mushrooms?
Babies can have mushrooms from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids, as long as they are well cooked. Start with mushrooms blended smooth into purees, then from 7–8 months serve large soft pieces or finely chopped mushroom in other foods, since cooked mushrooms are slippery and springy. Never give babies raw or wild-foraged mushrooms.
How to serve mushrooms by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Saute, roast or steam store-bought mushrooms until very soft, then blend them smooth with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula. Stir the puree into mashed potato, squash or blended chicken and offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Chop well-cooked mushrooms very finely and stir them into scrambled egg, risotto or mashed potato for a lumpier texture. You can also offer large soft pieces your baby can hold, such as a cooked portobello cut into thick strips such as a cooked portobello cut into thick strips; halve or quarter large button mushrooms rather than offering whole caps..
9–12 months
Cut cooked mushrooms into small, thin pieces or finely chop them for pincer-grasp practice. Thin slices are easier to chew than thick, springy chunks.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat sliced or chopped cooked mushrooms in pasta, omelets, soups and stir-fries with the family. Keep slicing them thinly until your child chews well, and keep salt and soy sauce to a minimum.
Why it’s good
Mushrooms give babies B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin, plus potassium, selenium, copper and fiber. Mushrooms labeled as UV-treated or high in vitamin D are one of the few plant foods with meaningful vitamin D. Mushrooms also add a savory, umami flavor that helps babies enjoy family meals without added salt.
Safety notes
- Always cook mushrooms. Raw mushrooms are chewy, harder to digest and some, like shiitake, can cause a skin rash in some people when eaten undercooked.
- Never feed babies wild-foraged mushrooms. Some poisonous mushrooms look like edible ones, so use only mushrooms from a grocery store.
- Cooked mushrooms are slippery and rubbery. Small, round pieces can slide to the back of the throat, so blend mushrooms smooth at 6 months and serve large pieces or very finely chopped mushroom from 7–8 months.
- Trim tough stems, especially on shiitake mushrooms, which stay woody after cooking.
- Clean mushrooms with a damp towel or a quick rinse just before cooking, and throw out any that are slimy or smell off.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Mushrooms are not a common allergen, though rare reactions happen, sometimes in people with mold allergies. Watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or a rash the first few times you serve them.
Mushrooms for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about mushrooms for babies and toddlers.
When can babies eat mushrooms?
Babies can have mushrooms from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids. Mushrooms must be cooked until soft and blended into purees at first, then served in large pieces or finely chopped into other foods from about 7–8 months.
Can babies eat mushrooms?
Yes, babies can eat store-bought mushrooms from 6 months when they are well cooked. Button, cremini, portobello, oyster and shiitake mushrooms are all fine once cooked and cut safely.
Are mushrooms a choking hazard for babies?
Mushrooms are a medium choking risk for babies because cooked mushrooms are slippery and springy, and small round pieces can slide into the throat. Blend them smooth at 6 months, offer large strips from 7–8 months, thin slices or finely chopped mushroom for older babies, and always stay close while your baby eats.
Are mushrooms a common allergen?
No, mushrooms are not a common allergen. Mushroom allergies are rare, but watch for hives, vomiting or swelling when you first offer mushrooms.
How do I serve mushrooms to a 6 month old?
To serve mushrooms to a 6 month old, cook them until very soft and blend them smooth, then stir the puree into mashed potato, squash or rice cereal and offer it on a spoon. Large soft strips to hold and finely chopped mushroom in eggs can follow at 7–8 months.
Can babies eat raw mushrooms?
Babies should not eat raw mushrooms. Raw mushrooms are tough to chew and digest, and cooking also makes them safer, so always cook mushrooms before serving them to babies.
Are wild mushrooms safe for babies?
Wild mushrooms are not safe for babies unless you are completely certain of the species, and even experienced foragers make mistakes. Some poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness from a small amount, so stick to mushrooms sold in grocery stores and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if your child eats an unknown mushroom.
Are mushrooms a good source of vitamin D for babies?
Mushrooms labeled UV-treated or high in vitamin D can add some vitamin D to a baby's diet. Mushrooms do not replace a vitamin D supplement, so follow your pediatrician's advice on vitamin D drops, which are usually recommended for breastfed babies.
Which mushrooms are best for babies?
Mild, tender mushrooms like button, cremini, portobello and oyster are good first mushrooms for babies. Shiitake mushrooms are fine too when fully cooked with their woody stems removed.
The takeaway
- Babies can have mushrooms from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids, as long as they are well cooked.
- Saute, roast or steam store-bought mushrooms until very soft, then blend them smooth with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula.
- 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.