Zucchini for Babies: Nutrition and Meal Ideas

When it comes to the ABCs of fruits and veggies, zucchini comes last. However, it’s one of the first solids you can introduce to your little one—and for good reasons.

Benefits of Zucchini

Zucchini is a small summer squash, which grows from a vining plant. It’s versatile and rich in nutrients, packed with vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A: Contains antioxidants to help protect against cell damage. It may also help your heart, lungs, and other organs work properly, maintain bone growth, and support healthy vision (source).
• Magnesium: May support neurological functions, improve muscle development, and regulate blood pressure.
• Vitamin C: Contains antioxidants to help protect against cell damage. It may help support healthy vision and improve iron absorption.
• Potassium: Essential nutrient that may contribute to the maintenance of body functions including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.

Note: These are known benefits of the listed vitamins and minerals. Zucchini benefits may vary based on serving size and other factors.

Zucchini Serving Suggestions for Babies*

Zucchini can be served starting at 6 months and there are many ways to serve (and enjoy) this nutritious fruit. While you can serve raw sticks or chunks of zucchini to older kids, you must cook zucchini before serving it to babies, as it can be considered a choking hazard due to its density.

Cook It:

• Sauté: Chop or slice, then sauté until soft
• Steam: Cut into thin sticks or quartered spears, then steam until soft
• Bake/Roast: Slice or cut into sticks or quartered spears, then bake or roast until soft

Serve It:

• Mash or purée for all ages
• Serve as finger foods or incorporate into other dishes for toddlers and kids
  

Zucchini Recipes for Toddlers or Kids*

• Pea and Zucchini Fritters
• Banana Zucchini Bread
• Pea, Zucchini & Basil Lentil Pesto Patties 
• Quick Pasta Bowl Recipe with Peas, Zucchini & Basil 

Save time and effort with our ready-to-serve/ready-to-cook zucchini baby food, including our Peas Pass the Greens meal. 

Nutritious, tasty, and versatile, zucchini is a great food for starting solids that will fit seamlessly on your little one’s plate for years to come.  

*Note: Food suggestions are not appropriate for all age groups. Be sure that your child is ready for these snacks. Be mindful of food size and texture and cut into age-appropriate pieces to minimize choking risk as needed. Only feed your child when they are seated and supervised. More info on choking hazards here.