• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MJ and Hungryman

  • About
  • Blog
  • Feeding tips
  • Recipes
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Baby Led Weaning
  • Recipes
  • Feeding tips
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Baby Led Weaning
    • Recipes
    • Feeding tips
    • Resources
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    MJ & Hungryman » How To Series » Carrots for Baby Led Weaning (with Recipes)

    Carrots for Baby Led Weaning (with Recipes)

    By Min On March 29, 2022, Updated April 10, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Jump to Recipe
    a graphic showing how to offer carrots to babies depending on age.

    Carrots are the perfect finger food for babies. Here's how to cook it as well as serving suggestions for 6 months and up.

    a graphic showing how to offer carrots to babies depending on age.
    Jump to:
    • When can babies eat carrots?
    • Health Benefits
    • Are carrots safe for babies?
    • Cooking Methods
    • How to serve for Baby Led Weaning
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Carrot recipes for babies
    • How to Cook Carrots for Babies

    When can babies eat carrots?

    This nutritious vegetable can be offered to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

    If you’re unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!

    Health Benefits

    Just like sweet potatoes, carrots are one of the best food sources of beta-carotene. Once consumed, the body converts it to vitamin A, which is key for good vision, cell growth, and a healthy immune system.

    They are also a good source of several B vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber.

    They come in different colors and are all wonderful to introduce to your baby. They contain similar vitamin and mineral content, but where they differ is their antioxidant profile.

    The orange-fleshed ones are rich in carotenoids whereas the purple varieties are rich in anthocyanins. White-fleshed carrots have the lowest amount of antioxidants.

    Are carrots safe for babies?

    Raw carrot sticks and baby carrots are choking hazards, so it's important that they are offered in an appropriate size and texture. Let me show you how! It is also not a common allergen.

    Note that carrots (organic and conventional) contain arsenic and other heavy metals that are found in the soil and water. While this may be concerning, it's nearly impossible to avoid these contaminants. So DON'T stop offering!

    Just like with rice, as long as you are offering a wide variety of foods and not serving carrots all the time, there's no need to worry.

    Cooking Methods

    Here are the two best cooking methods for babies. It's VERY important that the vegetable is cooked until soft enough to be easily smooshed between thumb and forefinger.

    I personally don't recommend roasting carrots for this age as the exterior of the vegetable can get too crispy or even burnt before it softens. You can boil, but I don't recommend it as most of the nutrients will leach into the water.

    In regards to size, cut into big strips. Once cooked, you can cut into smaller pieces depending on your baby's age. This way you can serve both big and small pieces as I suggest below.

    Steam

    Steamed white and orange carrots in a pot.

    Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add carrots, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 15-20 minutes. It should be easily pierce-able with a fork.

    Steam roast

    steam roasted purple and orange carrots in a white baking pan.

    This method is my personal favorite! If you are new to this cooking method, there is no need to feel intimidated. It's SO easy to do, and much more flavorful than plain steaming.

    Plus you can toss the carrots with oil, which will aid in the absorption of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin.

    How it works:

    The hot oven and moisture from the veggies create steam (once covered) making them soft, but because they’re roasted, the flavors become more concentrated.

    Simply add carrots to a baking pan, toss with oil and seasoning(s) of choice, COVER, and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes! Perfectly soft and flavorful!

    It's ok if they overlap a little bit. It will create more steam resulting in softer carrots.

    Learn more about steam roasting as well as cooking times for ALL other vegetables

    How to serve for Baby Led Weaning

    6+ months old

    Pureed - Add cooked carrots into a blender and blend until smooth. Add breastmilk/formula, water, or even broth to thin out to desired consistency.

    Mashed - Whether you are advancing in texture after doing purees or starting with baby led weaning, this is such an easy and versatile way to serve carrots to your baby.

    Finely grated - I like to use a lemon zester or the smallest hole in the box grater.

    You can add mashed or finely grated carrots to:

    • Homemade baby oatmeal
    • Quinoa
    • Lentils
    • Chia Pudding
    • Overnight oats/quinoa
    • Toast
    • Yogurt
    • Vegetable omelette

    6-9 months old

    Bigger is better and safer at this age so your baby can easily grab the food with their palm and bring to mouth.

    Cut into big strips (at least 1 inch in width). Again, the carrots should be easy to smush between your thumb and forefinger.

    Once your baby has had more experience with texture, you can try offering shredded carrots by using the small or larger hole on the box grater.

    Related: Right food size and texture for baby led weaning

    Examples

    These are actual plates that I served to my daughter at this age. If interested in learning more, check out my 3 month meal plan.

    A four image collage showing how to serve carrots to babies 6 months and up.
    1. A big carrot strip + Quinoa carrot ricotta fingers + yellow squash
    2. Add to baked goods: Veggie chickpea sticks (from my Beginner Bites cookbook) + broccoli
    3. Chop and add to any family meals
    4. Add finely grated carrots to other foods: Overnight carrot cake oats

    9+ months old

    As your baby develops their pincer grasp and is able to pick up small pieces of food using their thumb and finger, you can cut into small, bite-sized pieces. I still suggest continuing to offer larger pieces so they can practice taking bites.

    I emphasize this because my son was the ultimate shoveler, and cutting into small pieces only made it worse. With my second baby, I offered her large pieces along with bite-sized pieces, and it’s definitely helped her to slow down and to take bites rather than shovel. 

    If you haven't already, this is a good time to introduce utensils. Your baby will most likely just play around or toss it. But it’s still great for exposure!

    Try forking a piece of carrot and plate on their plate. Be sure to continue modeling. They are like sponges and learn by watching you!

    two lentil balls, carrot strip and bite sized pieces and cauliflower pieces.

    Pictured: lentil balls with Indian Spiced Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can carrots make babies gassy?

    It can do to its high soluble fiber content. However, just like with broccoli and beans, you shouldn't eliminate them completely.

    If your baby is gassy but doesn't seem to be in discomfort, there's no reason to worry. If your baby is extra gassy after eating carrots, you can cut back on how frequently they are served.

    When can babies have raw carrots?

    There is no set timeline as to at exactly what age you should try offering them. That's because every child is different. It depends on many different factors, such as the number of teeth and your child’s eating/chewing skills.

    So be observant, stay close, and move forward as you and your child feel confident and ready.  Here's how to introduce raw vegetables to your toddler.
    finely grated, thinly sliced, and spiralized raw carrots.

    How should I store leftovers?

    Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since they're very soft in texture, I don't recommend freezing them. If you have a lot of leftovers and want to invite more variety, add them to the recipes I suggest below!

    How should I reheat leftovers?

    I suggest reheating very briefly in the microwave. Otherwise, the carrots will get too mushy. I like to serve straight from the fridge or allow to come to room temperature.

    Carrot recipes for babies

    Breakfast/Lunch

    • Easy Savory French Toast
    • Healthy Carrot Oatmeal Muffins
    • Healthy Carrot Zucchini Muffins (Baby and Kid-friendly)
    • Vegan Vegetable Quinoa Muffins

    If you want to learn how to prepare other specific food(s), check out my How To Series!

    steam roasted purple and orange carrots in a white baking pan.

    How to Cook Carrots for Babies

    Carrots are the perfect finger food for babies. Here's how to cook it as well as serving suggestions for 6 months and up.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Baking Mat

    Ingredients

    • 2 medium carrots, sliced into thick strips
    • 1 tablespoon oil (for steam roast)
    • seasoning(s) of choice (for steam roast)

    Instructions

    Steam

    • Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add carrots, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10-15 minutes. It should be easily pierce-able with a fork.

    Steam roast

    • Add carrots to a baking pan, toss with oil and seasoning(s) of choice. It's ok if they overlap a little bit. It will create more steam resulting in softer carrots.
    • COVER with baking mat, and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, until fork tender.

    Notes

    To store: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since they're very soft in texture, I don't recommend freezing them.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 29kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 14mg | Vitamin A: 3397IU
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
    « Peanut Butter Cheerio Cereal Bars
    Easy Toddler Lunch Ideas (for daycare or preschool) »

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Share: [addtoany]

    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    search

    Trending Now

    A direct shot of muffin with a bite taken out.

    Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Three different Greek yogurt smoothies in glass jars.

    Creamy Greek Yogurt Smoothie (6 ways)

    A close up overhead shot of chocolate pudding in a glass bowl with three raspberries.

    Healthy Chocolate Avocado Pudding

    5 celery sticks with various fillings and toppings.

    Ants on a Log

    Avocado smoothie in a glass jar with a straw and bananas and avocado in the background.

    Creamy Avocado Banana Smoothie

    A close up shot of strawberry yogurt with strawberries in the backgrounnd.

    Easy Strawberry Yogurt

    Jump to Recipe
    a graphic showing how to offer carrots to babies depending on age.

    Is your baby 4-6 months old?

    Give your baby a head start on solids even before their first bite!
    I'M READY!
    Jump to Recipe
    a graphic showing how to offer carrots to babies depending on age.

    Is your baby 6 months old and up?

    Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
    I NEED IT NOW!
    Jump to Recipe
    a graphic showing how to offer carrots to babies depending on age.

    Is your toddler becoming picky?

    Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
    YES, PLEASE!

    popular feeding tips

    A four image collage of healthy baby snacks including iron.

    Healthy Baby Snacks (Easy and Balanced)

    A four image collage of best baby cereals.

    Best Baby Cereal (2022)

    Four top low sugar cereals for toddlers and kids.

    Best Healthy Cereals for Kids

    four iron rich vegetable meals for babies, including spinach, swiss chard, peas

    Best Iron Rich Foods for Babies and Toddlers (50+ recipes)

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2023 MJ & Hungryman LLC · Privacy Policy | Contact

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT