Zucchini
Vegetable
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have zucchini?
Zucchini may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
A staple food for Native Americans, squash was brought by Spanish colonizers to Europe, where the gourds called ayohtli by the Nahuatl people of Mesoamerica changed in shape and size through cultivation by Italians, who called the squash by the diminutive of zucca, their word for squash. Today, zucchini have different names depending on where you live: calabacín, courgette, marrow, and quả bí ngòi to name a few.
How do you serve zucchini 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 +:
Cook zucchini until soft and serve on its own as spears or sticks, around the size of two adult fingers pressed together. Feel free to leave the skin on or remove it—at this age, baby may scrape the soft zucchini flesh away from the skin, and the skin will help the piece hold together in baby’s hand. Alternatively, shred raw zucchini and offer on its own in a bowl for scooping or mixed into other foods like grain dishes, mashed legumes or root vegetables, scrambled eggs, or yogurt. Cooked zucchini noodles or zoodles are also fine at this age, although some babies may struggle to pick them up.
9 months old +:
Once baby develops the pincer grasp (where the finger and thumb meet), try moving down in size to bite-sized pieces of cooked zucchini. You can also continue to offer cooked spears or sticks for biting and tearing practice. Lastly, you can offer zucchini noodles that have been cooked until soft.
12 months old +:
Continue serving bite-sized pieces of cooked zucchini and mixing bite-sized pieces or slices of cooked squash into casseroles, egg, grain, and lentil dishes. At this age, zucchini fritters, noodles, or pancakes are a great choice, too.
18 months old +:
Serve cooked zucchini as desired, and at this age, many toddlers are ready for raw zucchini. Try cutting the zucchini into thin slices or sticks, and feel free to offer with a dip to help the child engage with the meal.
How to cut zucchini in preparation for cooking (for babies 6 months +)
For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.
Videos
Is zucchini a choking hazard for babies?
Yes. Raw or undercooked zucchini can be firm and challenging to chew, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve zucchini 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 zucchini a common allergen?
No. Cases of zucchini allergy have been reported but it is not a common allergen. However, individuals with ragweed allergy may experience symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome) after consuming raw or lightly cooked zucchini. Symptoms can include oral itching and tingling and occasionally mild abdominal pain. The good news is that Oral Allergy Syndrome is only rarely associated with serious reactions.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.
Is zucchini healthy for babies?
Yes. Zucchini is loaded with beta-carotene that our bodies convert to vitamin A, which supports our immune system and powers our eyesight along with the lutein and zeaxanthin that are also present in the summer squash. Zucchini also offers plenty of vitamin C, which helps our bodies absorb iron from plant-based foods to create healthy blood cells. Lastly, zucchini contains vitamin B6, folate, vitamin K, and copper—important vitamins and minerals that baby needs to thrive. Vitamin B6 is essential for brain development and folate is vital for growth, and both nutrients can be insufficient in toddlers’ diets.
How much food should I serve to baby?
When first getting started, offer a small amount and trust that baby knows how to show interest in wanting more by grunting, pointing, or reaching out. Keep in mind that most babies between 6 and 9 months of age do not consume much solid food at first. For babies between 10 and 12 months of age, work toward what a balanced adult meal would look like, just with smaller portions than what you might have. Follow the child’s lead: when baby indicates “more”, offer more food. When baby shows signs that they are finished, stop offering food.
What are the signs of readiness for solids?
Baby should be able to sit with minimal support, hold their head up well, and be able to reach and grab an item and successfully bring it to their mouth while seated. Baby should also show interest in eating and watching caregivers eat. For example of babies who are ready vs not, see our article on readiness.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kary Rappaport
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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