Tomato
Usually introduced around 6 months
Choking notes
Cherry and grape tomatoes are a classic choking shape: whole or halved, they can block a small airway. Always quarter them lengthwise into small pieces, and keep doing so until about age 4. Peel and de-seed larger tomatoes, since the skin can bunch up while chewing.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Choose a ripe, soft tomato. Peel off the skin (it can bunch up and be hard to chew), scoop out the seedy core, and mash the flesh or stir it into a purée. If offering a piece to hold, give a soft finger-length strip of peeled flesh. Cherry and grape tomatoes are a round choking shape, so always quarter them lengthwise into small pieces and never serve them whole or halved.
Peeled, mashed, or a soft finger-length strip; quarter cherry/grape tomatoes lengthwise.
9-12 months
Offer small soft pieces of peeled, de-seeded ripe tomato as the pincer grasp develops. Keep cherry and grape tomatoes quartered lengthwise into four small pieces so no round or rounded-half shape remains.
Small soft peeled pieces; cherry/grape tomatoes quartered lengthwise (four pieces).
12-18 months
Serve bite-size pieces of soft ripe tomato. Cherry and grape tomatoes still keep their round shape, so keep quartering them lengthwise into small pieces; do not offer them whole or simply halved.
Bite-size soft pieces; cherry/grape tomatoes still quartered lengthwise.
2 years and up
Larger soft tomato can be served in small bite-size pieces. Keep quartering cherry and grape tomatoes lengthwise through the preschool years, since round foods are among the easiest to choke on until about age 4 and a child chews reliably.
Small bite-size pieces; keep quartering cherry/grape tomatoes until about age 4.
Key nutrients
Meal ideas with Tomato
Common questions
When can my baby eat Tomato?
Most babies can try Tomato from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is Tomato a choking hazard for babies?
Tomato carries a moderate choking risk for babies. Follow the age-appropriate cut sizes and textures above, and always stay close during meals.
Is Tomato a common allergen?
Tomato is not one of the major food allergens. Any new food can still cause a reaction, so keep an eye on your baby the first few times.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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