BLW Foods
Turnip

babyledweaningfoods.com

Turnip — prep card

Category: vegetableChoking risk: low

6–8 months

Steam or roast peeled turnip until it's very soft and easily pierced with a fork. Cut into finger-length strips about the width of two adult fingers, or offer large wedges that baby can hold in their palm with some sticking out to gum. You can also mash turnip and serve it on a pre-loaded spoon or spread onto toast strips for variety.

9–11 months

Continue to cook turnip until soft, but you can now offer it in smaller pieces such as thick coins or bite-sized chunks that baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety. You might also offer roasted turnip wedges that baby can bite pieces from, or mix diced turnip into other dishes like risotto or lentil stews.

12–24 months

At this age, you can offer turnip cooked until soft in a variety of sizes to match your toddler's chewing ability, from fork-mashable cubes to slightly larger pieces. Roasted turnip with a touch of olive oil makes a lovely side dish, or try mashing turnip with potato or other root vegetables. As chewing skills improve, turnip can be cooked until just tender rather than very soft, though it should still be easy to chew.

Nutrition highlights

Turnip provides vitamin C, which supports your baby's immune system and helps with iron absorption from other foods. This root vegetable also contains fibre to support healthy digestion, as well as small amounts of potassium and calcium. Turnip is naturally low in calories and offers a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with many other baby-led weaning foods.

Allergen information

Turnip is not a common allergen and allergic reactions are rare. As with any new food, it's sensible to introduce turnip on its own and watch for any signs of a reaction, though sensitivity to turnip is uncommon.

Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/turnip