First foods database
🌿 Artichoke for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat artichoke? Yes, from about 6 months, as soft cooked hearts. Globe artichoke has a mild, nutty taste, though the tough outer leaves and choke are not suitable for babies.
Good source of: Fibre, Folate, Vitamin K, Magnesium
How to serve artichoke by age
6 to 9 months
Use cooked artichoke hearts, blended or mashed into potato, pasta sauce or a smooth dip. Larger soft heart pieces can be offered to hold. Blending hearts with a little olive oil makes a smooth, savoury spread for toast fingers.
9 to 12 months
Chop soft hearts into small pieces and stir into pasta, risotto or omelettes. Rinse jarred or tinned hearts well. Artichoke pairs well with lemon and soft cheeses.
12 months and up
Serve chopped hearts in family dishes. Older toddlers can try scraping the soft base of cooked leaves with their teeth, with help.
Choking safety
The fibrous outer leaves and hairy choke are a choking hazard: remove them and use only the tender heart. Cut hearts into manageable pieces.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Jarred and tinned artichokes are often in brine or oil with salt: choose ones in water and rinse well.
Easy ideas
- Artichoke and pea pasta
- Artichoke heart dip with yoghurt
- Artichoke in a vegetable risotto
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat artichoke?
Can babies eat artichoke? Yes, from about 6 months, as soft cooked hearts. Globe artichoke has a mild, nutty taste, though the tough outer leaves and choke are not suitable for babies.
Can babies eat tinned artichoke hearts?
Yes, if rinsed well. Choose ones in water rather than brine where possible. Rinsing under cold water for a minute removes much of the brine.
Can babies eat artichoke leaves?
No. The leaves are too fibrous; offer only the soft heart.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).