When can babies eat purple potatoes?
Potatoes may be offered as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old. Orange sweet potatoes are a common baby food, but purple potatoes are a tasty, nutritious option too.
Background and origins of purple potatoes
There are many varieties of purple potatoes. Among the most common are Adirondack Blue, Purple Creamer, Purple Majesty, and Purple Peruvian. Purple potatoes have a similar amount of moisture and starch as the common Yukon Gold potato, making them a great substitute in recipes that call for that variety.
Can't find purple potatoes? Sweet potatoes are just as good!
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Are purple potatoes healthy for babies?
Absolutely. Purple potatoes contain potassium and vitamins B6 and C. Purple potatoes also contain loads of anthocyanins, an antioxidant with lots of benefits. First, anthocyanins support brain and vision development. Second, they help build immunity, off-set toxic burdens from our modern environment, and introduce antimicrobials that help clear unfriendly gut bacteria. And finally, they give the tubers a bright, eye-catching color that inspires curiosity. Fun fact: anthocyanins are the same antioxidants in blueberries, currants, and purple grapes!
Are purple potatoes a common choking hazard for babies?
They shouldn't be if they are peeled, cut into age-appropriate sizes, and cooked until soft.
For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.
Are purple potatoes a common allergen?
No. Allergies to purple potatoes are rare, though in theory, one could be allergic to any food. Watch your baby as they try new foods to monitor for any reaction.
How do you prepare potatoes for babies with baby-led weaning?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.
6 to 12 months old:
Mess time! Offer your baby mashed purple potatoes for finger painting or long spears of purple potato fries. If going the mashed route, serve in a bowl that suctions to the table to encourage your baby to scoop with their hands, or offer the mashed potatoes a pre-loaded spoon for them to hold independently. (Offering a spoon vertically in the air will assist your baby in grabbing it from you.) If offering fries, don’t be surprised if your baby spits the food out a fair amount. Babies actually need to learn how to spit before they can swallow effectively!
12 to 18 months old:
Continue with mashed potatoes or spears of potato fries. You may also offer small cubes of cooked potato and encourage the use of a fork.
18 to 24 months old:
At this age your toddler is likely to enjoy all forms of potatoes, so try not to overdo any one preparation and continue to offer potatoes and other foods in a variety of shapes and forms. This variety will help keep picky eating at bay.
Mashed purple potatoes are one of messiest dishes you can make. Keep on hand plenty of warm washcloths, a good smock, and your camera to capture the messy moment!
For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.
Mashed Purple Potatoes
Not sure how to introduce this food? Give this recipe a try. Feel free to substitute ingredients and flavor the food with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
Purple potatoes
Breast milk, formula, or milk
Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Bring a medium pot of water to boil. While the water is heating, wash, peel, and halve 1 to 2 potatoes.
Place in the boiling water and turn down the heat to medium. Let the water come to a simmer, then turn down the heat to low, letting the potatoes gently cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tip of a knife easily slides into one of the halves. Drain and let cool.
Place the cooked potatoes in a bowl and add 1 ounce of breast milk, formula, milk and 1 teaspoon of avocado oil. You can omit the oil, but if you have it on hand, use it: it will help your baby’s digestion. Mash and mix the potatoes until they’re creamy and smooth, adding more milk or formula if desired.
Serve the mashed potatoes in a bowl or on a pre-loaded spoon.
Pairings
Purple potatoes are versatile. They taste great with butter, cilantro, garlic, mushrooms, mustard, onions, rosemary, and thyme.
Written and reviewed by these specialists
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