App First Foods® Database Gift Toddlers Book

Baby Corn

Grain

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

a photograph of two whole pieces of baby corn on a white background

When can babies have baby corn?

Baby corn may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old.

Corn is an ancient grain with origins in Central and South America, where it evolved from a wild grass called teosinte. Baby corn is harvested before the kernels mature, when the ear is very small and tender. It’s widely used in East and Southeast Asian cuisines, especially in stir-fries, curries, noodle dishes, and soups. Baby corn is prized for its mild sweetness, delicate crunch, and ability to absorb flavors from sauces and seasonings, as well as its convenience–it's now widely available in canned form.

How do you serve baby corn to babies?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

6 months old +:

Finely chop or mash cooked baby corn and mix it into scoopable foods or shared dishes like soup, stew, or rice. Avoid offering whole baby corn or cutting baby corn into coin shapes, as these pose an increased choking risk.

9 months old +:

Offer a long piece of cooked baby corn that has been cut in half lengthwise to reduce choking risk. Let baby practice taking bites from the corn; it’s okay if they spit out more corn than they consume as they learn to chew the challenging texture. Alternatively, continue to finely chop or mash pieces of cooked baby corn and mix into scoopable foods and shared dishes. Avoid offering whole baby corn or cutting baby corn into coin shapes, as these pose an inreased choking risk.

18 months old +:

At this age, if the child has mature eating skills (chewing foods well, taking accurate sized bites, not shoveling food in the mouth, spitting out foods that are too challenging), they can likely handle whole cooked baby corn, served on its own or as part of a meal.

a photograph of a hand holding a baby corn cut lengthwise — A cooked baby corn cut in half lengthwise for babies 9 months +

a photograph of a hand holding a piece of baby corn cut lengthwise — A baby corn cut in half lengthwise for babies 9 months +

Is baby corn a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Baby corn is small, firm, and cylindrical, which are qualities that pose an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve baby corn in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Is corn a common allergen?

No. Corn allergies are uncommon, but have been reported, with symptoms ranging from short-lived oral allergy symptoms to anaphylaxis. Some individuals with allergy to lipid transfer proteins or chitinase may also have a corn allergy. Corn is known to cross-react with other cereal grains, especially rice, wheat, and barley. However, most individuals with corn allergy can safely consume other cereal grains, and vice versa.

Is baby corn healthy for babies?

Yes. Baby corn offers fiber and a bit of protein, as well as choline, folate, potassium, zinc, and vision-supporting antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Together, these nutrients support baby’s digestive health, and growth and development. They also help to support neurodevelopment, electrolyte balance, taste perception, vision, metabolic processes, immunity, and iron absorption. Because baby corn is picked before it matures, it is lower in carbohydrates than regular sweet corn.

Can babies have canned baby corn?

Yes. Babies can have canned baby corn in an age-appropriate way as soon as they are developmentally ready for solid food. While canned baby corn can be high in sodium, the amount of sodium that babies eat tends to be low as they learn the skills to feed themselves. If you’d like to reduce the sodium in canned baby corn, you can drain and thoroughly rinse it before serving.

Is baby corn the same as regular corn?

They come from the same plant, but baby corn is harvested early, before kernels mature, giving it a different taste and texture.

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