Bamboo

Bamboo, when cooked and peeled, may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

There are many species of bamboo native to diverse regions throughout Asia, where the plant has long been a source of food, building material, and more. The mature plant is too tough and woody to eat, but the young, tender shoots are a popular vegetable that are eaten fresh or preserved in cooked, dried, and pickled styles.

Yes. Bamboo is cylindrical in shape and the texture tends to be firm and springy, which are qualities that can increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve bamboo in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Bamboo shoots are not a common food allergen. That said, allergic reactions to bamboo shoots have been reported.^[1]

Canned and dried bamboo shoots are occasionally preserved with sulfites, which can cause respiratory difficulty or hives in individuals with sulfite sensitivity.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes, when cooked. Avoid serving raw bamboo, as the plant contains natural toxins that must be broken down through the cooking process in order to be safe for consumption.^{[2] [3]} Preserved bamboo shoots have already been cooked as part of the canning or preservation process.

Bamboo shoots are a great source of vitamin B6, which plays a role in over 100 functions in the body, as well as fiber, zinc, potassium, and other micronutrients. Together, these nutrients support the gut microbiome, growth and development, electrolyte balance, heart health, and more.

Preserved bamboo products are sometimes high in sodium. If you are looking to reduce sodium, choose low-sodium products and/or rinse the preserved bamboo under running water to help reduce sodium content.

Hay muchos alimentos que pueden ser excelentes opciones. Busca alimentos que permitan que el/la bebé se alimente solo/a fácilmente, que tengan bajo riesgo de ahogamiento y que ofrezcan los nutrientes que los bebés necesitan, como el hierro. Algunos de nuestros primeros alimentos favoritos incluyen brócoli al vapor, avena, y semilla de mango.

Empápate del tema y practica las maniobras de rescate. Los padres y cuidadores que ven los videos de ahogamiento y rescate infantil en nuestro Pase completo de primeros alimentos a menudo comparten que se sienten mucho más seguros.