Bell Pepper

Vegetable

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

2 green bell peppers before being prepared for babies starting solid food

When can babies have bell peppers?

Bell peppers may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Our planet is home to more than 50,000 varieties of peppers, all of which stem from chili peppers of the Americas that were spread worldwide through colonization, migration, and trade. Bell pepper is also known as capsicum but it does not contain capsaicin, the chemical compound that causes a fiery sensation when one tastes jalapeño, serrano, or other hot peppers.

Are bell peppers healthy for babies?

Yes. Bell peppers are rich in fiber, folate, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Together, these nutrients work to support energy levels, a flourishing gut microbiome, brain development, vision, immunity, metabolic processes, iron absorption, skin health, and more. Serving foods rich in vitamin C can help boost the body’s ability to absorb iron, so consider pairing bell pepper with iron-rich foods like beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.

Is bell pepper a common allergen?

No. Allergies to bell pepper are not common, but have been reported. People who are allergic to latex or certain plant pollens may also be allergic to bell pepper or experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy). Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking, canning, and/or peeling bell pepper can help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.

Bell peppers are part of the nightshade family of plants—but know that an allergy to one nightshade is not strongly associated with an increased risk of allergy to other nightshades. Other nightshade vegetables include tomatoes, tomatillos, white potatoes, eggplant, huckleberries, goji berries, and spices made from peppers (cayenne, paprika, etc.)

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.

Are bell peppers a choking hazard for babies?

Yes, if raw. The firm, slippery texture of raw bell peppers can pose a choking risk, and even more so if baby has teeth and can successfully bite off pieces. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve bell pepper in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.

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

Videos

Mila, 6 months, eats a cooked quarter of bell pepper

Zeke, 11 months, eats cooked bell pepper slices

Juliet Rose, 15 months, eats thin slices of raw bell pepper

Do bell peppers make babies gassy?

Yes, they often can. Like other high-fiber foods, bell peppers can produce gas, but don’t worry. The fiber in bell peppers interacts with certain bacteria in the gut, resulting in gas, movement of poop, and development of a diverse ecosystem in the digestive tract over time. Just introduce bell pepper gradually as tolerated by baby’s digestive system.

How do you serve bell peppers 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.

an infographic with the header "how to cut bell pepper for babies": a half of a cooked bell pepper, skin removed, for 6 months+, cooked chopped pieces or raw thin slices for babies 9 months+, half a raw bell pepper for 18 months+

6 months old +:

Serve a cooked bell pepper half with pith, seeds, skin, and stem removed. While it's not necessary to remove, the skin can stick inside baby's mouth and make the food more challenging to manage. How to remove the skin? Immediately after cooking the peppers, place them in a sealed container (a paper or plastic bag will do) and let them steam for 15 minutes. The steam helps release the pepper skins from the flesh. Canned or jarred bell peppers work too. As an alternative to a cooked bell pepper half, serve dips, sauces, and spreads made from cooked bell pepper.

9 months old +:

Offer cooked bell peppers (skin, seeds, and pith removed), either cut into large sections for biting and tearing practice or small, bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, try serving paper-thin slices of raw bell pepper (skin on or off). When offering bell pepper, expect lots of spitting, especially with raw bell pepper, as a child develops chewing skills. Lastly, you can continue to serve dips, sauces, and spreads made from roasted bell pepper.

18 months old +:

At this age, many toddlers are ready for larger sections of raw bell pepper—offer in slices or even a half pepper, with seeds and pith removed. Offer cooked bell pepper (pith, seeds, and stem removed) in slices or bite-sized pieces, either on its own or in a dish to share with the toddler. Alternatively, serve dips, sauces, and spreads made from roasted bell pepper.