Family foods Food Library
When can babies have tostones?
Can babies have tostones?
Tostones are best saved until about 2 years old, because crispy fried plantain slices are hard, salty and a choking risk. Before then, babies can enjoy green or ripe plantains steamed, boiled or baked until soft. Tostones are not a common allergen.
How to serve tostones by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Skip tostones for now. Instead, boil or steam peeled plantain until very soft and mash or blend it smooth with a little breast milk, formula or water, and offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Tostones are still off the menu. Offer lumpier mashed plantain, or soft baked ripe plantain spears about the size of an adult finger that squash easily between your fingers.
9–12 months
Keep waiting on crispy tostones. Offer soft cooked plantain in small pieces, or mashed plantain like mangu, with beans, eggs or avocado.
12 months +
Wait until about age 2, then offer a thin, softer tostone made in the oven or air fryer with little oil and no added salt. Break it into small pieces and serve with a soft dip like mashed avocado or beans.
Why it’s good
Tostones are made from green plantains, which give energy from starch plus potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and fiber. Frying adds fat and usually a lot of salt. Soft-cooked plantain gives the same nutrients in a safer form for babies.
Safety notes
- Crispy tostones are hard and crunchy and can break into sharp pieces that are a choking risk. Wait until about 2 years and keep pieces small.
- Tostones are usually heavily salted. Make them at home without salt for young children.
- Deep-fried foods are high in fat. Oven-baked or air-fried tostones are a lighter option for toddlers.
- Let tostones cool before serving, since fried foods hold heat.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Tostones are not a common allergen, though rare reactions to plantain and banana have been reported, sometimes in people with latex allergy. Watch for hives, itching or swelling.
Tostones for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about tostones for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have tostones?
Tostones are best saved until about 2 years old because they are crispy, salty and a choking risk. Babies can have soft-cooked plantains from 6 months instead.
Can babies have tostones?
Babies should not eat crispy tostones. Steamed, boiled or baked plantain that is soft enough to mash is a much safer way to serve plantains to babies.
Are tostones a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, tostones are a choking hazard because they are crispy and hard and can break into sharp pieces. Serve soft plantain to babies and offer small pieces of tostones only to older toddlers.
Are tostones a common allergen?
No, tostones are not a common allergen and plantain is not one of the Top 9 food allergens. Check the frying oil and any dipping sauces for allergens.
How do I serve tostones to a 6 month old?
Tostones should not be served to a 6 month old. Instead, steam green or ripe plantain until very soft and offer it mashed smooth on a spoon. Large soft spears of baked ripe plantain can follow at 7–8 months.
Can I make tostones in an air fryer for my toddler?
Yes, air-fried tostones are a good option for toddlers over 2 because they use less oil. Keep them thin, skip the salt, and break them into small pieces.
Are tostones healthy for toddlers?
Tostones can be part of a toddler's diet as an occasional food, as plantains provide potassium and fiber. Frying and salting make them less healthy, so baked, unsalted tostones are best.
What is the difference between tostones and maduros?
Tostones are made from starchy green plantains that are fried twice until crispy, while maduros are sweet ripe plantains fried until soft and caramelized. Soft maduros made with little oil are easier for younger children to eat.
What can I serve with tostones for a toddler?
Serve tostones with soft foods like mashed avocado, black beans, shredded chicken or plain yogurt dip. Skip salty sauces and offer water with the meal.
The takeaway
- Tostones are best saved until about 2 years old, because crispy fried plantain slices are hard, salty and a choking risk.
- Wait until about age 2, then offer a thin, softer tostone made in the oven or air fryer with little oil and no added salt.
- 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)
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit 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.