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Steam or roast whole beetroot until a fork slides through easily, then peel and cut into finger-length strips about the width of two adult fingers or large wedges that your baby can hold in their palm. The beetroot should be so soft that it mashes easily between your fingers. You can serve it plain or with a small amount of unsalted butter to make it less slippery for little hands to grasp.
Continue to cook beetroot until very soft, and now you can offer smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized strips as your baby's pincer grasp develops. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for your baby's developing chewing skills. You can also try mixing soft beetroot pieces into other foods like porridge, yoghurt, or mashed potato for variety.
At this age, you can offer beetroot in smaller, bite-sized pieces that match your toddler's growing chewing ability, though it should still be cooked until soft. You might grate raw beetroot finely into salads or slaws for older toddlers who are managing a wider variety of textures. Continue to monitor that pieces are appropriately sized and soft enough for your child's current eating skills.
Beetroot provides folate, which supports healthy cell growth and development, as well as potassium for heart and muscle function. It also contains fibre to support digestion and small amounts of vitamin C to help with iron absorption from other foods. The vibrant colour comes from betalains, plant compounds with antioxidant properties that support overall health.
Beetroot is not considered a common allergen and allergic reactions to beetroot are rare. While it is safe for most babies, introduce it as you would any new food and watch for any signs of sensitivity.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/beetroot