How To Serve Liver For Babies

Liver is often called a superfood due to its high nutrient content, but when it comes to babies, it needs to be offered carefully and in small amounts.

Can babies eat liver?

Yes. Babies can eat liver from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. It should be offered in small amounts onlydue to its very high vitamin A content.

Is liver an allergen?

No. Liver is not a common allergen and does not need to be introduced in a specific way.

Is liver a choking hazard for babies?

Liver is not typically a choking hazard when cooked and prepared appropriately, but texture can vary depending on how it is cooked.

To reduce risk:

• Cook liver thoroughly
• Serve as smooth pate, puree or very soft pieces
• Avoid large or firm chunks
• Ensure it is easy to mash between fingers

How to serve liver for babies

6–9 months

• Smooth liver pate or spread
• Mixed into purees or mashed meals
• Stirred through sauces

9–12 months

• Small, soft pieces of cooked liver
• Thinly sliced pieces
• Mixed into meals

12+ months

• Small, soft pieces as part of meals
• Continued use in mixed dishes

Nutritional benefits of liver for babies

Chicken liver is extremely rich in iron, as well as B12, other B vitamins, folate, choline, zinc and essential amino acids. It is also an affordable way to boost the nutritional value of meals.

However, liver is very high in vitamin A, which can be toxic in large amounts. For this reason, it should only be offered in small quantities.

Easy ways to offer liver

• Blend into a smooth pate
• Mix into sauces
• Add into mashed vegetables
• Stir into purees
• Freeze in small portions and add to meals

A good guide is to offer around 1–2 tablespoons per week, rather than daily.

Frequently asked questions

Is liver safe for babies?
Yes, when offered in small amounts and cooked properly.

Why can’t babies eat too much liver?
Liver contains very high levels of vitamin A, which can be harmful in excess.

Is chicken liver better than beef liver for babies?
Chicken liver is often preferred as it is lower in vitamin A than beef liver.

Do I need to give liver to my baby?
No. There are many other ways to meet your baby’s iron needs without including liver.

Expert tip

Freezing liver pate in small portions (like ice cubes) is an easy way to control how much you’re serving and avoid overdoing vitamin A.