Bell Pepper

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.

Not sure what food to try next? Have a look at our guide, 50 Fantastic First Foods 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.

No. Allergies to bell pepper are not common, but have been reported.^{[1] [2]} 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).^{[3] [4] [5]} 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.^{[3] [6]}

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.^[7] 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.

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.

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.