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Offer thinly sliced or quartered olives that have been pitted and rinsed well to reduce sodium. The slices should be soft enough to squash easily between your fingers and laid flat on the tray or high chair for baby to grasp. You can serve them alongside other finger foods or mix them into soft grain dishes like couscous or rice.
Continue to offer thinly sliced or chopped olives, ensuring they remain flat rather than round. As your baby develops their pincer grasp, smaller chopped pieces can be offered to encourage self-feeding. Olives can be added to pasta, mixed into scrambled eggs, or served as part of a mezze-style meal with hummus and soft vegetables.
At this age, you can offer slightly larger slices or quarters of olives, adjusting the size to match your toddler's chewing ability. Continue to ensure they are well rinsed and pitted, and serve them as part of balanced meals such as salads, pasta dishes, or on the side of sandwiches and wraps. Keep portions modest due to the sodium content.
Olives provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which support brain development and help babies absorb fat-soluble vitamins. They also contain small amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports immune health. However, olives are naturally high in sodium, so it's best to offer them in moderation and choose lower-salt options when possible.
Olives are not considered a common allergen and do not feature in the top allergen groups. Reactions to olives are rare, though sensitivity to certain preservatives or additives in processed olives is possible.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/olive-sliced