Baby-led weaning · age-specific guide
Courgette for 9–11 months
Courgette can be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solid foods, which is typically around 6 months of age. When prepared correctly, it is soft, easy to gum, and poses a low choking risk for babies who are just beginning their weaning journey. Always ensure courgette is cooked until very tender, especially in the early months.
How to serve at 9–11 months
Continue to cook courgette until soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces such as thick coins, short strips, or bite-sized chunks that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Ensure each piece can be mashed easily between your fingers as a test for readiness. You might also serve courgette mixed into soft pasta, fritters, or mashed into other foods.
Nutrition highlights
Courgette provides vitamin C, which supports your baby's immune system and helps with iron absorption from other foods. It also contains B vitamins, including folate, which contribute to healthy growth and development. Though mild in flavour and not particularly nutrient-dense, courgette is a hydrating, gentle vegetable that offers fibre to support digestion.
Lower-risk serving reminders
Courgette has a low choking risk because it becomes very soft when cooked, making it easy for babies to gum and mash with their developing mouth skills. Its high water content and tender texture mean it breaks down easily, even for babies with no teeth.
Allergen introduction checklist
Courgette is not a common allergen and is generally well tolerated by babies. Allergic reactions to courgette are rare, though they have been reported in individuals with certain pollen allergies.
Common questions
Do I need to peel courgette for my baby?
You do not need to peel courgette, as the skin becomes soft when cooked and adds extra fibre. Ensure it is washed thoroughly before cooking.
Can I serve courgette raw to my baby?
Raw courgette is too firm and poses a choking risk for babies. Always cook courgette until very soft before offering it to your baby.
What is the best way to cook courgette for baby-led weaning?
Steaming or roasting are both excellent methods, as they soften the courgette whilst preserving its shape for little hands to grasp. Avoid adding salt or seasoning for young babies.
General feeding checklist
- Seat baby upright and stable for all meals.
- Model slow chewing and allow baby to control pace.
- Stop and reset if baby is upset, tired, or over-stuffed.
Readiness signs to check
- Baby can sit upright with minimal support during meals.
- Hands and mouth coordinate for bringing food to the mouth.
- Tongue-thrust reflex is reduced, so food is not immediately pushed out.
- Interest in self-feeding and opening mouth for food cues is visible.
Pause and seek advice if
- Coughing is persistent or distress does not settle quickly during meals.
- You notice repeated vomiting, rash, swelling, wheeze, or breathing changes after a food.
- Baby struggles with swallowing progression over multiple meals despite texture adjustments.
- There is a known medical condition affecting feeding, growth, or airway safety.
Other ages: 6–8 months · 12–24 months