Veggies Food Library
When can babies have taro?
Can babies have taro?
Babies can have taro from about 6 months when it is peeled and cooked until very soft. Taro must always be cooked, because raw taro contains crystals that irritate the mouth and throat. Soft, mashed taro and poi are gentle first foods.
How to serve taro by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Peel taro (wear gloves if your skin is sensitive), then boil or steam until completely soft. Mash or blend it smooth with a little breast milk, formula or cooking water, or offer smooth poi, on a spoon.
7–8 months
Mash cooked taro more roughly so it has soft lumps, or mix it with mashed vegetables. You can also offer thick fingers of fully cooked taro that squash easily between your thumb and finger.
9–12 months
Offer small, soft cubes of cooked taro for pincer practice, or mix mashed taro with vegetables and meat.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat cooked taro in stews, curries and soups, or as soft roasted chunks. Avoid taro chips, which are hard and salty.
Why it’s good
Taro provides carbohydrates for energy, fiber, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin B6. It is a filling, gentle starch similar to potato.
Safety notes
- Never serve raw taro. Raw taro and taro leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Cook thoroughly.
- Peeling raw taro can itch your hands. Wear gloves.
- Taro chips are hard and salty. Avoid them for young children.
- Taro leaves must be cooked well before eating.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Taro is not a common allergen, and reactions are rare. Start with a small amount and watch for any signs.
Taro for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about taro for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have taro?
Babies can have taro from about 6 months when it is peeled and cooked until very soft. Taro must never be served raw.
Can babies have taro?
Yes, babies can eat cooked taro. Taro is soft and mild when cooked well.
Is taro a choking hazard for babies?
Taro is a low choking risk when cooked until very soft and mashed or cut appropriately. Hard taro chips are a higher risk.
Is taro a common allergen?
No, taro is not a common allergen. Allergic reactions are rare.
How do I serve taro to a 6 month old?
To serve taro to a 6 month old, peel it, boil until very soft, and mash or blend it smooth with breast milk or formula, then offer it on a spoon. Smooth poi works too. Soft taro fingers to hold can follow at 7–8 months.
Why can't babies eat raw taro?
Raw taro contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat. Cooking taro thoroughly breaks these down.
When can babies have poi?
Babies can have poi from about 6 months. Poi is made from cooked, mashed taro and has a smooth texture.
Can babies have taro leaves?
Babies can eat taro leaves if they are cooked thoroughly and chopped finely. Raw taro leaves are irritating.
The takeaway
- Babies can have taro from about 6 months when it is peeled and cooked until very soft.
- Peel taro (wear gloves if your skin is sensitive), then boil or steam until completely soft.
- Choking risk is low. 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
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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.