Carrot can be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solid foods, which is typically around 6 months of age. Always cook carrots until very soft for young babies, as raw or undercooked carrot is a choking hazard. When prepared properly, carrot is a nutritious and manageable first food for baby-led weaning.
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A to support healthy vision, immune function, and skin. They also provide fibre to support digestion and contain smaller amounts of vitamins K and C. The bright orange colour makes them visually appealing to babies exploring new foods.
Carrot has a low choking risk when cooked until very soft and served in age-appropriate sizes. Raw or undercooked carrot is firm and presents a significant choking hazard, so proper cooking is essential to make it safe for babies to gum and chew.
Carrot is not a common allergen and allergic reactions are rare. Some babies with pollen allergies may develop oral allergy syndrome when introduced to carrots, though this is uncommon in infants.
Detailed prep guidance tailored to each stage.
Steam or roast carrot until completely soft and easily mashable between your fingers. Cut into finger-length strips about the width of an adult finger, or offer large wedges that baby can hold in their palm with some sticking out for gumming. You can leave a bit of the peel on one end to create a textured grip if desired, or lightly score the surface to make it less slippery.
Continue cooking carrot until very soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces like thick coins or shorter strips as your baby's pincer grasp develops. Ensure each piece mashes easily between your fingers before serving. Soft carrot sticks or roasted wedges also work well as babies become more confident chewing and biting.
Serve soft cooked carrot in bite-sized pieces appropriate to your toddler's chewing ability, such as coins, cubes, or short sticks. Continue to cook carrot thoroughly, though it can be slightly firmer than for younger babies as chewing skills improve. Avoid raw carrot until your child is at least 3 to 4 years old and can chew thoroughly.
