Jicama
Vegetable
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have jicama?
Jicama may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Aztecs, Mayans, and the first peoples of Central America learned to cultivate the plant called xīcamatl many centuries ago. Since then, this starchy tuber has become a staple food—not just across the Americas, but around the world. Adapting the Nahuatl name to the jicama, European colonizers introduced the plant to Southeast Asia, where it thrived in the warm, fertile tropics. Across the continents, its crisp texture and mildly sweet taste make jicama a go-to vegetable for strong flavors like chili pepper, citrus juice, shrimp paste, tamarind, and vinegar.
How do you serve jicama 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 +:
Offer well-cooked, mashed jicama for baby to scoop with their hands or eat from a pre-loaded spoon. Alternatively, offer a large wedge of peeled jicama that has been cooked until soft and mashable. You can also mix peeled and grated raw jicama into a soft, scoopable food like mashed vegetables or porridge.
9 months old +:
Serve bite-sized pieces of peeled, well-cooked jicama for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp (where the thumb and forefinger meet). At this age, you may also offer peeled and grated raw jicama on its own. Just know that the pieces may stick inside baby’s mouth, which can cause gagging. You can also serve thin, round slices of raw, peeled jicama (around 1 cm thick) for biting practice. If baby bites off a big piece, try to stay calm and give baby the chance to spit out or chew and swallow the food. Alternatively, continue serving mashed jicama or well-cooked wedges.
18 months old +:
At this age, if you feel comfortable with the child’s eating skills, you can serve raw jicama cut into matchsticks, or continue offering thin, round slices. You can, of course, also continue to offer peeled and well-cooked jicama in any form (bite-sized pieces, wedges, or mashed), either on its own or as part of a meal.
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Is jicama a choking hazard for babies?
Yes. Jicama, especially when raw or undercooked, can be firm and slippery, which are qualities that pose an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve jicama in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you 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.
Is jicama a common allergen?
No. Allergies to jicama are rare, but have been reported. While uncommon, certain individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome may be sensitive to jicama. 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 jicama can help minimize or even eliminate the reaction.
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.
Is jicama healthy for babies?
Yes. Jicama provides carbohydrates, fiber, and fluid, in addition to potassium and vitamins B6 and C. Together, these nutrients provide energy for movement and play, support baby’s developing gut microbiome, and fuel hydration. They also support electrolyte balance, metabolic processes, and iron absorption.
★ Tip: When shopping for jicama, pick one that is firm and heavy. Like potatoes, whole jicama (with the peel on) may be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 4 months. Once cut, store jicama in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days, and keep it away from moisture to extend the shelf life.
What are some great first foods for babies?
There are many wonderful options. Look for foods that are easy for baby to feed to themselves, that are low in choking risk, and that offer nutrients babies need, such as iron. A few of our favorite first foods include cooked broccoli, oatmeal, and mango pits.
Does baby need a high chair?
While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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