Veggies Food Library
When can babies have turnips?
Can babies have turnips?
Babies can have turnips from about 6 months when they are cooked until soft. Raw or undercooked turnip is hard and a choking risk, so roast, steam or boil it until it squashes easily, or mash it. Turnips are not a common allergen.
How to serve turnips by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Peel turnips, then steam, boil or roast them until very soft and mash or blend them smooth with potato, carrot or a little butter. Serve the mash on a spoon.
7–8 months
Fork-mash turnip into a lumpier texture, or offer thick wedges about the size of two adult fingers, roasted or steamed until they squash easily between your thumb and finger, to hold.
9–12 months
Cut soft cooked turnip into bite-size pieces about the size of a chickpea, or keep offering mashes. Cooked, finely chopped turnip greens can be stirred into eggs or grains.
12 months +
Toddlers can have roasted turnip pieces, turnip in soups and stews, or very thinly sliced raw turnip once they chew well. Keep thick raw pieces off the menu until at least age 4.
Why it’s good
Turnips give babies vitamin C, which helps absorb iron from plant foods, plus fiber, potassium and folate. Turnip greens are even more nutritious, with vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium and folate.
Safety notes
- Raw or undercooked turnip is hard and crunchy and is a choking hazard. Cook it until it squashes easily between your thumb and finger.
- Peel larger turnips, as their skin can be tough and bitter. Small young turnips have thinner skin.
- Wash turnip greens well and cook them until soft before chopping.
- Pickled turnips are high in sodium. Save them for older children in small amounts.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Turnips are not a common food allergen. Reactions are rare, but start with a small amount and watch for hives, vomiting or swelling.
Turnips for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about turnips for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have turnips?
Babies can have turnips from about 6 months, once they are ready for solids. Turnips should be cooked until very soft and mashed at first, then served as soft wedges from 7–8 months.
Can babies have turnips?
Yes, babies can eat turnips when they are cooked soft. Roasted turnips taste mild and slightly sweet, and mashed turnip blends well with potato or carrot.
Are turnips a choking hazard for babies?
Raw or undercooked turnips are a choking hazard for babies because they are hard and crunchy. Cook turnips until soft, mash or cut them to the right size, and always stay with your baby while they eat.
Are turnips a common allergen?
No, turnips are not a common allergen and are not one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introduce turnips in a small amount and watch for any reaction.
How do I serve turnips to a 6 month old?
To serve turnips to a 6 month old, peel them and steam or roast until very soft, then mash or blend with potato or carrot and offer it on a spoon. Soft wedges to hold can follow at 7–8 months.
Can babies have turnip greens?
Yes, babies can eat turnip greens when they are washed well, cooked until soft and finely chopped. Turnip greens can be stirred into scrambled eggs, soups or rice.
Can turnips help babies poop?
Turnips contain fiber and water, which can help keep a baby's poops soft. Offer water with meals and a variety of fruits and vegetables too.
Do I need to peel turnips for babies?
Peeling larger turnips is a good idea because the skin can be thick and bitter. Small, young turnips can be scrubbed well and cooked with the skin on.
The takeaway
- Babies can have turnips from about 6 months when they are cooked until soft.
- Peel turnips, then steam, boil or roast them until very soft and mash or blend them smooth with potato, carrot or a little butter.
- 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.