First foods database
Beetroot for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat beetroot? Yes, from about 6 months. Its earthy sweetness and bright colour make it a fun early vegetable, served roasted, steamed or blended into dips.
Good source of: Folate, Fibre, Potassium, Manganese
How to serve beetroot by age
6 to 9 months
Roast or steam until very soft, peel, then mash or blend, perhaps with a little yoghurt. For finger food, offer soft wedges or thick slices that squash easily.
9 to 12 months
Cut soft cooked beetroot into small cubes, or grate cooked beetroot into couscous, rice or patties.
12 months and up
Serve roasted, in salads, or blended into hummus. Finely grated raw beetroot is fine once your child chews confidently.
Choking safety
Raw beetroot is hard and can snap into chunks, so cook it until soft for babies. Pickled beetroot from a jar is vinegary and often salted, so it is best left for older children in small amounts. Cool roasted beetroot before serving, as the dense flesh holds heat.
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
- Pink wee or red poo after beetroot is normal and harmless.
- Avoid pickled beetroot for babies as it is salty and acidic.
Easy ideas
- Beetroot and yoghurt dip
- Roasted beetroot and sweet potato wedges
- Beetroot hummus on toast fingers
Goes well with
Recipes with beetroot
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat beetroot?
Can babies eat beetroot? Yes, from about 6 months. Its earthy sweetness and bright colour make it a fun early vegetable, served roasted, steamed or blended into dips.
Why is my baby's poo red after beetroot?
Beetroot pigment passes straight through and can colour poo and wee pink or red. This is completely normal.
Can babies have beetroot juice?
Babies do not need juice. Offer the whole vegetable instead and keep drinks to milk and water.
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).