Mushrooms may not be top of mind when it comes to babies' first foods, but they are great to incorporate into your little one's diet. Here is how to safely prepare and serve mushrooms to babies using a baby led weaning approach, plus recipe ideas.

If you include mushrooms in your meals, of course you'll want to share with your little one once he starts solids! It can seem like an awkward food to serve to babies, but mushrooms are actually a great texture for little ones. Babies will benefit form being introduced to this little fungi early on, and hopefully enjoy them for years to come. Let's jump into exactly how to serve mushrooms to baby led weaning babies!
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When Can Babies Have Mushrooms?
Babies can have mushrooms as soon as they start solids, around 6 months of age. The soft texture of cooked mushrooms is great for babies eating finger foods. They are also a nutritious option and a new flavor to introduce to baby. Raw mushrooms can be a choking hazard, though, since they texture is too firm. Read on for how to safely prepare and serve mushrooms to BLW babies.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms for Babies
Mushrooms are one of the only plant sources of vitamin D, a key nutrient for baby's growing bones. Mushrooms are also a source of other important nutrients for baby, including:
- Iron, which is critical for brain development
- B-Vitamins
- Potassium
- Fiber - the kind in mushrooms is particularly good for gut health
Read More: Critical Nutrients for Baby's Growth & Development
Are Mushrooms a Choking Hazard?
Raw mushrooms can be a choking hazard, since they are firm and round. Even cooked, the round stem can be woody and pose a choking risk. It's important to only served cooked mushrooms to babies, and offer them in an appropriate shape to reduce risk of choking. This includes removing the stem. (Read on for how to prepare and cut mushrooms for babies.)
The Best Mushrooms for Baby Led Weaning
For younger babies (around 6-8 months), portobella mushroom caps are perfect, because you can cut them into strips that baby can easily grasp.
Once baby has developed the pincer grasp, usually around 8-10 months, you can cut mushrooms into small pieces, so you can purchase the more readily available white (or button) mushrooms, or baby portobella mushrooms.
How To Prepare Mushrooms for Babies
Mushrooms should be cooked to a soft enough texture that they can be easily gummed. You can use the smash test to determine if they are soft enough. Some good ways to cook mushrooms include:
- Grilling - great for whole portobella mushrooms!
- Sautéing
- Roasting
Feel free to add flavor with herbs, spices and vinegars, such as balsamic vinegar.
How To Serve Mushrooms for Baby Led Weaning
1. Long strips of portobella mushroom (6+ months)
Cook a whole portobella mushroom and slice into thin strips the length of your finger, of slice it first and sauté or roast with a little oil or butter. Baby can scoop up a slice and either gum it or suck the juices.
2. Cut into small pieces (9+ months)
Once baby develops a pincer grasp around 9 months, you can cut cooked mushrooms into small pieces, about the size of your fingernail. Make sure to remove the stems!
3. Chopped finely and cooked into a recipe
This may be the easiest way to include mushrooms for young babies since portobella mushrooms are a little less common. Include mushrooms that have been cut into small pieces in foods like omelets, meatballs, pasta sauce, soups, or frittatas.
Baby Led Weaning-Friendly Mushroom Recipes
- Baby Led Weaning Mushroom Spinach Egg Bake
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken by Feeding Tiny Bellies
- Beef & Mushrooms Meatballs by The Natural Nurturer
- Mushroom Beef Burgers by Andi Anne
- Kale, Goat Cheese & Mushroom Omelet by Cookin Canuck (Make sure to finely chop the mushrooms and kale for baby)
- Garlic Mushroom Quinoa Bites by Mrs Jones Kitchen
- Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta by Erren's Kitchen
- Grilled Portobella Mushrooms by Little Sunny Kitchen
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