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Steam or roast yam until it's very soft and breaks apart easily when pressed. Cut it into finger-length strips about the width of two adult fingers or large wedges that your baby can hold in their palm with some sticking out for them to gum. Ensure all pieces are soft enough to squish between your fingers, and remove the skin before serving.
Continue to cook yam until very soft, then cut it into bite-sized pieces such as thick coins or smaller strips that suit your baby's developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure safety. You can also offer mashed yam loaded onto a spoon for your baby to practise self-feeding.
Offer soft cooked yam in pieces that match your toddler's chewing ability, which may include smaller cubes or rounds. As their skills develop, you can leave yam slightly firmer, though it should still be easy to chew. Yam can be served as part of family meals, mixed into stews, or offered alongside other vegetables.
Yam is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing steady energy for active babies. It contains vitamin C to support immune function and potassium for healthy heart and muscle development. Yam also offers dietary fibre, which aids digestion and supports healthy bowel movements.
Yam is not a common allergen and is generally well tolerated by babies. As with any new food, introduce yam on its own and watch for any signs of an adverse reaction, though allergies to yam are rare.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/yam