First foods database

🥥 Coconut for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat coconut? Yes, from about 6 months. Coconut is not a tree nut for allergy labelling, and coconut flesh and milk can be part of baby's meals.

From 6 monthsTake care with shape and texture

Good source of: Healthy fats, Fibre, Manganese

How to serve coconut by age

6 to 9 months

Stir unsweetened desiccated coconut or coconut milk into purées, porridge and curries. Fresh coconut flesh is hard, so finely grate it. Coconut milk adds creaminess and energy to curries, dals and porridge.

9 to 12 months

Offer finely grated coconut in pancakes or yoghurt, or coconut milk in mild curries and rice. Coconut yoghurt (unsweetened) is a dairy-free alternative to try.

12 months and up

Serve grated coconut in baking and cereal, or coconut in curries. Toddlers can enjoy coconut in baking and curries. Coconut flakes (unsweetened, fine) can top porridge.

Choking safety

Fresh coconut flesh is hard and chewy and can be a choking risk in pieces. Grate it finely, and avoid sweetened coconut chips.

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

Avoid sweetened desiccated coconut and coconut drinks with added sugar.
Coconut drink is not suitable as a main drink before 12 months.

Easy ideas

Coconut rice pudding (no added sugar)
Coconut and lentil dal
Coconut yoghurt with mango

Goes well with

🥭MangoFrom 6 months 🫘Red lentilsFrom 6 months 🍚RiceFrom 6 months 🍌BananaFrom 6 months

Recipes with coconut

🥭Mango and coconut yoghurt swirlFrom 6 months · Snack · 5 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat coconut?

Can babies eat coconut? Yes, from about 6 months. Coconut is not a tree nut for allergy labelling, and coconut flesh and milk can be part of baby's meals.

Is coconut a nut allergen?

It is not classed as a tree nut for UK allergen labelling, and most people with nut allergy tolerate it. Speak to your GP if you are worried about allergy.

Can babies have coconut milk?

Yes, in cooking. It is not a substitute for breast or formula milk. Use full-fat tinned coconut milk in cooking.

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).