Pumpkin

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

Pumpkins and other squash originated in Central America, where they have been grown by Indigenous people for thousands of years, and today they are cultivated all over the world. Pumpkins also come in a range of flavors. For example, the Halloween carving pumpkins have a watery, flat taste compared to the nutty and sweet calabazas of the Caribbean; the dense, aromatic zapallos of South America; and the smooth, creamy butternuts and cheese pumpkins of North America and Australia.

Yes. Pumpkin offers carbohydrates, fiber, and fluid. It also offers micronutrients like folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K.  Pumpkin is also rich in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are plant compounds that support baby’s vision and overall health.

No. Allergies to both pumpkin flesh and seed are rare, though it’s not uncommon to get an itchy rash on the hands after handling winter squashes. To minimize any reaction, wash your hands after handling, and baby’s face and hands after eating.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first couple of servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

No. Cooked, soft pumpkin 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, remove all seeds and prepare and serve pumpkin 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.

Yes. Babies can have canned pumpkin as soon as they are developmentally ready for solids, typically around 6 months of age. Canned pumpkin is a great option that is often more widely available and accessible than whole, fresh pumpkin. Serve on its own in a bowl for baby to scoop with their hands or eat from a pre-loaded spoon, or stir the pumpkin into other foods.