Kabocha Squash
Vegetable
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have kabocha squash?
Kabocha squash may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Kabocha squash has roots in the Americas with deep cultural connections beyond its native region. Hundreds of years ago, European colonizers extracted seeds from Central and South America, where Indigenous peoples first learned to grow and cultivate many varieties of squash, including the ancestors to kabocha. Colonization and trade brought squash seeds to Asia, where they were propagated over time to become the modern varieties of kabocha enjoyed worldwide today. Kabocha is the Japanese name for several similar varieties of winter squashes, though they are a popular vegetable throughout Asia and equally delicious in savory and sweet cooking, from hobakjuk porridge in South Korea, to a custard dessert called num sang khya l'peou in Cambodia.
How do you serve kabocha squash 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 +:
Cut peeled, de-seeded, and cooked squash into large crescent moons—a shape that is easy for babies to hold. If baby has trouble picking up the squash handle, hold it in the air and let the child grab it from you. Alternatively, mash the cooked kabocha squash for baby to scoop up. Either way, be sure to thoroughly cook the squash; it should be soft enough that it easily mashes under light pressure. Kabocha squash can remain quite dense, even when cooked, and stewing the squash in broth or sauce can help soften it for baby.
9 months old +:
Serve bite-sized pieces of peeled, de-seeded, and thoroughly cooked squash for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp (where the pointer finger meets the thumb). Or, continue to serve cooked squash handles for baby to practice taking bites. Be sure to thoroughly cook the squash; it should be soft enough that it easily mashes under light pressure. Mashed squash on a pre-loaded spoon is a great option to encourage utensil practice at this age.
12 months old +:
Offer bite-sized pieces of thoroughly cooked kabocha squash, either on their own or as part of a shared meal. You can also serve larger cooked, peeled pieces of squash or mashed squash, as desired. Just wait to offer cooked squash with the peel on until the toddler is able to take manageable bites, thoroughly chew, and move food around in the mouth with the tongue. This is also a great age to encourage utensil use with trainer chopsticks or a fork. Simply pre-load an age-appropriate utensil and rest it next to the food for the child to pick up. Try not to apply too much pressure—consistent and accurate utensil use will come in due time—often sometime after the second birthday.
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Is kabocha squash a choking hazard for babies?
No. Well-cooked kabocha squash presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve kabocha squash 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 kabocha squash a common allergen?
No. Allergies to ingestion of winter squashes, such as kabocha squash, are uncommon, but have been reported. There have also been reports of people getting an itchy rash on their hands after handling winter squashes. To minimize any reaction, wash your hands immediately after preparing the squash. If baby’s skin is very sensitive, apply a barrier ointment (such as pure white petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil-wax combination) to baby’s face and diaper area before eating, and gently wash face and hands after eating.
People who are allergic to ragweed pollen and/or other fruits and vegetables in the Cucurbitaceae family may also be sensitive to winter squashes, such as kabocha squash, or experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome). 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 squashes (as applicable) may help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.
As with introducing any new food, start by serving a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no reaction, increase the amount over future meals.
Is kabocha squash healthy for babies?
Yes. Kabocha squash offers excellent amounts of fiber, folate, vitamins B6 and A, as well as magnesium and vitamin C. Together, these nutrients support baby’s gut microbiome, neurodevelopment, metabolism, vision, immunity, skin health, and plenty more. In particular, the vitamin C in kabocha squash helps baby more effectively absorb iron from iron-rich plant-based foods like beans, nuts, and seeds.
Kabocha squash is also high in plant compounds called carotenoids (specifically beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), which our bodies convert to vitamin A. These compounds support visual health and offer antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
★ Tip: Kabocha squash skin is edible and nutritious, but it can be very tough and hard to peel. To peel the skin, first halve the squash: sit the squash on a cutting board with the stem facing up, insert the knife near the stem, and press down until the tip reaches the bottom of the squash, then press the knife down to the cutting board. Repeat on the other side of the stem and pull apart the halves. From there, the squash can be de-seeded and cut into wedges—a shape that is easier to peel before or after cooking.
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.
What utensils do I need to get started?
None! Put solid food directly on baby’s tray, plate, or bowl, then let baby explore with their hands. If you like, keep a baby spoon or fork nearby to help familiarize the child with utensils, but the skills to use them are not expected until early toddlerhood.
Our Team
Written by
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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