Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
Spaghetti squash may be introduced as soon as baby is ready for solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Squashes are an ancient agricultural crop, with some estimates tracing spaghetti squash’s ancestors to 10,000 years ago in Mexico, the native terrain of spaghetti squash. Today, spaghetti squash is grown around the world and goes by different names: golden macaroni, noodle squash, spaghetti marrow, and vegetable spaghetti. As the names suggest, the flesh inside a spaghetti squash can be pulled apart to look like pasta after it is cooked.
Yes. Spaghetti squash offers some fiber, a dash of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and K. Together, these nutrients support baby’s gut microbiome, neurodevelopment, bone health, and more. In particular, the vitamin C in spaghetti squash helps baby more effectively absorb iron from iron-rich plant-based foods like beans, nuts, and seeds. Spaghetti squash also provides plant compounds called carotenoids, which our bodies convert to vitamin A. These compounds support visual health and offer antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
★Tip: Heating a whole spaghetti squash before cutting it open slightly softens the squash, which makes it easier to cut because it doesn’t roll as easily. Simply poke a few holes in the squash with a fork or knife, then microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or roast at high heat for 5 minutes until the whole squash is slightly soft to the touch.
No, although undercooked or raw spaghetti squash certainly could be a choking hazard. To minimize the risk, cook spaghetti squash until it is completely soft. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.
No. Allergies to ingestion of winter squashes, such as spaghetti 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 spaghetti 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.
Yes. Spaghetti squash contains fiber and fluid, which help support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines for healthy digestion and bowel movements. To minimize digestive discomfort, gradually introduce high-fiber foods like squash before regularly including it in baby’s diet. A little gassiness or a few blowouts means that baby’s digestive system is adjusting, and are not a sign that squash needs to be removed from the diet. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
Serve chopped, cooked squash strands in a bowl for baby to scoop, adding a bit of olive oil or sauce as desired. Know that strands of spaghetti squash can spread on the tongue and stick in the mouth, which can cause babies to gag—a perfectly normal reflex. If baby is struggling with the texture, try folding finely chopped spaghetti squash into soft, scoopable foods such as mashed sweet potatoes, or yogurt, then pre-load a baby spoon and offer it in the air to encourage self-feeding. Alternatively, fold cooked, chopped spaghetti squash into eggs or batter to make large, soft patties or fritters that baby can munch on.
Loosely chop the spaghetti squash strands to offer on their own for the toddler to practice picking up. If you’d like to encourage utensil use, you can pre-load an age-appropriate fork or offer the utensil for the child to try using by themselves. If you’d like, you can even offer a half of a cooked spaghetti squash with the seeds removed as a “boat” and show the child how to scoop out the strands by themselves with their fingers or a utensil. Serving this way isn’t to encourage consumption of more food, but rather to engage the toddler’s senses of curiosity and fun by serving an extra-large piece of food in a novel shape.
Serve the spaghetti squash strands along with an age-appropriate fork, which you can pre-load if the child needs help. At this age, toddlers can typically manage long strands of squash, but if they are a struggle, go ahead and chop the strands into bite-sized pieces before serving. If you’d like to encourage utensil use, 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—typically after 24 months of age.
Break out of the lunch rut with our guide, 75 Lunches for Babies & Toddlers.
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