First foods database
🥔 New potato for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat new potatoes? Yes, from about 6 months. Boiled or steamed new potatoes are soft, filling and easy to mash, and the thin skin adds a little extra fibre.
Good source of: Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Fibre
How to serve new potato by age
6 to 9 months
Boil or steam until very soft, then mash with butter or milk, or halve and flatten slightly so they are easy to grip and squash.
9 to 12 months
Cut cooked new potatoes into quarters or small cubes. Leave the skin on if your baby manages it well.
12 months and up
Serve boiled, roasted or in potato salad with the family. Cut into halves or quarters rather than serving whole.
Choking safety
Small whole potatoes are round and can block an airway, so always halve or quarter them and cook until soft enough to squash between your fingers. Cool before serving, as the dense middle holds heat for a long time.
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
- Do not use potatoes that have turned green or sprouted heavily; cut away green patches or discard.
Easy ideas
- Smashed new potatoes with butter
- New potatoes and flaked salmon
- Herby potato salad with yoghurt
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat new potato?
Can babies eat new potatoes? Yes, from about 6 months. Boiled or steamed new potatoes are soft, filling and easy to mash, and the thin skin adds a little extra fibre.
Can babies eat potato skin?
Yes, the thin skin of new potatoes is fine once cooked soft. Scrub them well first.
Should I cut new potatoes for a toddler?
Yes. Halving or quartering removes the round shape that can be a choking hazard.
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).