How To Serve Carrots For Babies

Carrots are a staple when starting solids — easy to cook, affordable and generally well loved by babies. However, their naturally firm texture means they need to be prepared carefully to make them safe for little gums.

Can babies eat carrots?

Yes. Babies can eat carrots from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. They should always be cooked until very soft before serving.

Is carrot an allergen?

No. Carrots are not a common allergen and allergic reactions are uncommon.

Is carrot a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Raw or undercooked carrots can be a choking hazard due to their hard, woody texture.

To reduce risk:

• Always cook carrots until very soft
• Avoid raw carrot for babies
• Cut into large pieces for younger babies
• Test softness using the “squish test”

Carrots should squash easily between your fingers before serving.

How to serve carrots for babies

As we mentioned before, carrots have a naturally hard texture that requires some good chewing before swallowing. This can make them unsuitable for babies unless the texture is modified. As always, be guided by where your bub is at when it comes to eating to decide what texture is safest. 

6-9 months 

• Puree or fork mashed 
• Long quarters or halves of a carrot cooked (steamed or boiled) and very soft. Use the "squish test" to ensure the carrot isn't still hard by squishing it between your index finger and thumb. 
• If roasting the carrot, you can cover with a lid or foil to keep the moisture in. Sometimes, roasting can dry the outside of the carrot out and make it tough.

9-18 months

• Can start to offer grated carrot 
• Can offer smaller chunks that are cooked and very soft
• Thin slices of raw carrot are easy to chew and often suitable around 18 months.

18-24+ months

• Closer to 2 years (or when your little one is ready for it) you can start to offer bigger pieces of raw carrot. You might offer raw carrot sticks cut thinly to start. 
• Larger pieces of quartered raw carrot are usually more suited for 2+ years when they have most of their teeth and are well practiced at chewing.
• Whole raw carrots are a choking risk because of their shape and size. When your child will be ready for a whole carrot will be very individual but likely after 2 years of age.

Nutritional benefits of carrots for babies

Carrots provide fibre, B vitamins and carotenoids. While they offer important vitamins and minerals, they are best paired with foods that provide protein, fat and energy to create a balanced meal.

Easy ways to offer carrots

• Add to purees
• Mix with yoghurt or lentils
• Drizzle with olive oil or serve with avocado
• Add to pasta or mixed dishes
• Serve alongside other vegetables

Frequently asked questions

Can babies eat raw carrot?
Raw carrot can be served finely grated from around 9 months. Larger pieces of raw carrot are not suitable until around 2 years of age or beyond.

How soft should carrots be for babies?
Soft enough to easily squash between your fingers.

Are carrots a good first food?
Yes, when cooked until soft, they are a great first food.

Do roasted carrots need to be softened?
Yes, roasting can dry them out, so ensure they remain soft and moist.

Expert tip

If roasted carrots feel firm on the outside, covering them while cooking can help keep them soft and safer for babies.