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Steam or roast cassava until it is very soft and can be easily pierced with a fork. Serve as finger-length strips about the size of two adult fingers placed together, or as large wedges that your baby can hold in their palm and gum. The cassava should mash easily between your fingers, ensuring it breaks down safely in your baby's mouth.
Continue to cook cassava until very soft, then cut into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or shorter strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe and manageable. You can also offer cassava mashed or as part of mixed dishes like stews.
Offer soft cooked cassava in bite-sized pieces that match your toddler's chewing ability, adjusting the size as their skills develop. Cassava can be served as part of family meals, such as in soups, stews, or alongside proteins and vegetables. Continue to ensure it is thoroughly cooked and avoid adding salt or excess seasoning.
Cassava is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your baby's rapid growth and development. It also contains vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps with iron absorption from other foods, as well as folate and small amounts of potassium. While nutritious, cassava is relatively low in protein and iron, so it's best served alongside other nutrient-dense foods as part of a varied diet.
Cassava is not a common allergen and allergic reactions to it are rare. As with all new foods, it's sensible to introduce cassava on its own at first and watch for any signs of a reaction over the following few days.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/cassava-cooked