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Serve asparagus to your little one confidently with these tips for safely serving asparagus using a baby led weaning approach, including how to cut asparagus for babies and the best ways to cook asparagus for BLW.
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that people either love or hate. Either way, this veggie is a nutritious addition to your little one's plate. Introducing a variety of flavorful vegetables early on helps your child become more accepting of new foods (even as a picky toddler!), so add asparagus into the rotation safely if you're using a baby led weaning approach with this guide.
Jump to:
- Can Babies Eat Asparagus?
- Baby Health Benefits
- How To Serve Asparagus for Baby Led Weaning
- Best Cooking Methods for Babies
- FAQ
Can Babies Eat Asparagus?
Yes! As soon as babies are developmentally ready for solids around 6 months of age, they can eat asparagus. If you are using a baby led weaning approach to starting solids, you'll need to make sure it is served in an appropriate shape and texture (more on that below).
Baby Health Benefits
Asparagus are full of nutrients beneficial to your little one, including1:
- Folate: Important for cell growth and DNA formation
- Vitamin K: For healthy bones and blood clotting
- Vitamin C: Aids iron absorption and acts as an antioxidant
- Vitamin A: Supports baby's immune system and vision
- Iron: Necessary for proper growth and development
- Fiber: A special type of fiber called prebiotic fiber gets fermented in the large intestine, which is great for gut health2
- Antioxidants: The flavonoids quercetin, isorhamnetin and kaempfero are especially powerful in fighting inflammation and chronic disease.3
How To Serve Asparagus for Baby Led Weaning
Because asparagus is tough and can easily snap off when raw, it must be cooked before serving to babies. Cook asparagus until it is soft and gives when you smush it between your index finger and thumb.
1. Whole spears (6+ months)
Around 6 months when babies don't yet have the dexterity to pick up small pieces, well cooked, whole spears are better. Baby can wrap his fist around a spear and munch on the end hanging out. His gums will flatten the spear, reducing the risk of choking, and he may chew and swallow a bit off the end, though he won't actually consume all that much. That's okay! It is good practice and flavor exposure. You can also finely chop asparagus (make sure to cut in half lengthwise first to eliminate the round shape) and fold into other foods like eggs and cooked grains.
2. Small pieces, halved length wise (9+ months)
Once baby develops a pincer grasp, usually around 9 or 10 months, you can start to cut cooked asparagus into small pieces. Make sure to cut asparagus in half lengthwise first to eliminate the round shape, then cut into small pieces, no larger than the size of your fingernail. You can offer a utensil for practice at this age if you'd like. You can also continue to offer whole, well-cooked spears at this age for biting and chewing practice.
Best Cooking Methods for Babies
As mentioned above, cook asparagus until it is soft enough to mash between your index finger and thumb. Here are some good cooking methods for babies:
Steaming - Steam whole asparagus spears in a covered steamer basket over boiling water for 5-10 minutes, or until soft enough for baby.
Boiling - Bring about an inch of water to a boil in a large skillet. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-10 minutes, or until soft enough for baby.
Steam-Sautéing - Heat a little bit of oil to a large skillet and add the asparagus along with any spices or seasonings, such as minced garlic or shallot. Cook, stirring for a couple of minutes, then add a splash of water and cover with a lid. Continue cooking over medium-low heat until the asparagus is soft enough for baby, about 4-10 minutes.
Grilling - Coat asparagus in oil and any seasonings, then grill over medium to medium-low heat until soft.
Baking - Coat asparagus in oil and any seasonings and spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 10-20 minutes, or until soft.
Stewing - Add asparagus to stewed dishes such as curries or soups.
Tip: Make sure to snap off the woody ends! Hold the asparagus near the bottom and apply pressure to break off the tough, woody end before cooking.
Ready to get started with baby led weaning? Get my 100 First Foods Checklist and Allergen Checklist Bundle today!
FAQ
Is asparagus a common allergen?
No asparagus is not a common allergen, though they can happen, especially in those who are allergic to chives, leeks, garlic, onion, or shallot.
Is asparagus a choking hazard?
Yes, because asparagus are small, firm and round, they can be a choking hazard. Be sure to cook asparagus to an appropriate texture, and serve them according to the guidelines above.
As with any food, always supervise baby closely when eating. Review the safety guidelines, and never stick your hands into baby's mouth, as this can push food further into the airway.
Why does asparagus make pee smelly?
You may notice your baby's urine is smelly after eating asparagus. This is nothing to worry about! It is caused by sulfur-containing byproducts as asparagusic acid is broken down during digestion and is harmless.
Does asparagus make babies gassy?
Asparagus has a special type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, which doesn't get digested in the small intestine. It passes into the large intestine, where it is fermented by the bacteria that live there. This can cause gas. To avoid discomfort caused by gas, offer only a small amount of asparagus at a time and work your way up to larger amounts. If your baby is gassy but doesn't show signs of discomfort, there is no need to worry.
When can I offer raw asparagus?
Around 18-24 months when your child shows advanced eating skills, such as biting and chewing well and not over-stuffing his mouth, you can offer raw asparagus if you'd like. The tough texture may be too much, and your little one may still spit it out at this age.
Resources
More Baby's First Foods
- How To Serve Pumpkin for Baby Led Weaning
- Can Babies Eat Chili? How to Serve Chili for Baby Led Weaning
- The Best Pasta for Babies + How To Serve Pasta with Baby Led Weaning
- How To Serve Sweet Potatoes for Baby Led Weaning
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