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Tomato for Babies - When Can Babies Eat Tomatoes?

When can babies eat tomato?

Tomatoes may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Tomatoes and other acidic foods can cause a harmless rash on skin that comes into contact with the juices and sometimes they can even contribute to diaper rash.1

Warning

Tomatoes, especially grape and cherry tomatoes, are a common choking hazard, so keep reading to learn how to serve safely.

Background and origins of tomato

From curries to pastas to salsas, tomatoes show up in dishes made in all corners of the world, but it wasn’t always that way. The tomato plant is native to Central and South America, where it is believed to have been first cultivated by Aztecs, who gave the Nahuatl name of tomātl to the plump juicy fruit. Yes, the tomato is technically a fruit, but for international trade, it has been defined by U.S. law as a vegetable—a label that stuck in consumer culture.

While its roots are in the Americas, tomatoes are one of the most ubiquitous ingredients in cooking today in part due to the Spanish conquistadors, who took the seeds to Europe. There, the tomato was nicknamed the “love apple” (a nickname that stems from the tomato’s supposed aphrodisiac powers) and eventually spread to gardens around the globe through European colonization.

Tomatoes are easy to grow from a packet of seeds and thrive in almost any spot with lots of sun!

Are tomatoes healthy for babies?

Yes. Tomatoes have tons of vitamin C, which makes them an ideal pairing with foods that are rich in plant-based iron, such as beans, lentils, and peas. (Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron from plant foods.) Tomatoes are also packed with carotenoids, a group of phytonutrients that color plants and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to our bodies. 2 3 4  Phytonutrients differ by variety of tomato and each offers unique benefits from promoting eyesight, immunity, and heart health to protecting skin against the sun.5 6 7 8 9

When shopping for tomatoes, it’s a good idea to buy organic if you can, as tomato plants are typically sprayed with pesticides. High levels of pesticide residues may disrupt the endocrine system, contribute to obesity, and adversely impact neurodevelopment.10  For these reasons, always wash tomatoes well before serving.

★Tip: Hold that refrigerator door! Store tomatoes on the countertop upside down (with stem side on the bottom) to increase their shelf life.

Are tomatoes a common choking hazard for babies?

Yes, particularly cherry and grape tomatoes. To minimize the risk, choose ripe tomatoes, stick with wedges of beefsteak or other large tomatoes, and smash cherry and grape tomatoes between your thumb and finger or quarter them lengthwise. As always, make sure you are creating a safe environment at meal and snack time, and check out our age-appropriate serving suggestions. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Is tomato a common allergen?

No. Tomato allergy is uncommon, but not unheard of.11 Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family of plants, and some individuals may be sensitive to the nightshade family, although information is limited. Additionally, individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (and in particular those allergic to grass or ragweed) may be sensitive to tomatoes, resulting in itching or discomfort in the mouth.12 Cooking the tomato can reduce the chance of experiencing oral allergy symptoms. As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first couple of servings and watch closely as your baby eats. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the serving size over time.

Note: Tomatoes and other acidic foods can cause a harmless rash on skin that comes into contact with the juices and sometimes contribute to diaper rash.13 The skin rash, which typically shows up around the mouth and chin is typically harmless and usually dissipates within minutes once the skin is gently cleansed.

How do you prepare tomato for babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 to 9 months old: Quarter a large tomato and offer the wedges for your baby to suck and munch on. If the tomato skin becomes a nuisance, simply take it away and offer a fresh wedge to your baby. At this stage you can also offer a whole, large tomato for your baby to eat, as if they were eating a whole peach. Remember that tomatoes can cause a rash where acidic juice comes into contact with a baby’s skin and can also contribute to diaper rash, so be mindful not to offer too much. If your baby seems sensitive to the juices, try serving cooked tomato or another food in a simple tomato sauce.

9 to 18 months old: Try serving quartered cherry tomatoes as finger food or to practice with a pre-loaded fork. Keep an eye out for any lingering tomato skins, and if they come off while eating, coach your little one to spit them out by sticking your tongue out. Tomato sauce is also a great vehicle for other foods (like meats) particularly if your toddler develops picky eating habits.

18 to 24 months old: Salad time! This is a great age to introduce the joy of raw, crunchy vegetables. Try serving quartered cherry tomatoes (or wedges of bigger tomatoes) alongside a sauce or spread for dipping.

24 months old and up: You can continue to serve quartered cherry tomatoes. When you feel your child has developed mature eating skills (taking small bites with their teeth, moving food to the side of the mouth when chewing, chewing thoroughly before swallowing, not stuffing food in their mouths, and finally, identifying and spitting out foods when they are not well chewed) AND they are able to eat quartered cherry tomatoes with ease, they may be ready to learn how to eat whole cherry tomatoes. Remember that practice with whole cherry tomatoes should always be in a supported seat with direct supervision and coaching from you.

If you have not yet offered cherry tomatoes halved lengthwise, you may want to begin with this size before progressing to whole ones. Then, start with large, ripe cherry tomatoes—the larger the better. We recommend the long, oval-shaped ones (sometimes called grape tomatoes) instead of the smaller round size, as the larger ones are more likely to get your baby to bite into them as opposed to placing the whole thing in their mouth. We recommend you demonstrate first: taking a slow bite to cut the tomato in half with your front teeth. Hand the other half to your toddler and let him or her take it and eat it. Then offer the second whole cherry tomato to your child and let him or her follow your lead with eating it. Likely, they will bite it in half as you did, though if your child shoves the whole thing in their mouth, refrain from gasping or yelling. Remain calm and say, “That’s a very big bite. You need to chew it.” Then wait patiently as they chew and swallow or spit out the too-big bite. From there, either end the activity and go back to smaller pieces for a while if your child seems to struggle or try a few times more with additional coaching to see if they can build on their skills.

Tomato wedge for 6 to 9 months and upQuartered cherry tomatoes for babies 9 months and up.

Add some variety to mealtimes with our guide, 100 Dinners for Babies & Toddlers.

Recipe: Big Batch Bolognese Sauce

Yield: 6 quarts (6 liters)
Cook Time: 6 hours
Age: 6 months+

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (900 grams) ground pork
  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato paste
  • 16 cups (4 liters) canned tomatoes
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 5 ounces (140 grams) cooked pasta
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese (optional: 12 months+)
  • salt to taste for adults and older children (optional: 12 months+)

Substitutes: 

  • Swap beef and pork for bison, venison, or any ground red meat with lots of flavor

This recipe contains common allergens: dairy (cheese), egg (pasta), and wheat (pasta). Only serve to a child after these allergens have been safely introduced. Always check for potential allergens in ingredients listed on the labels of store-bought processed foods, such as pasta. Added ingredients may include additional common allergens.

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: 

  1. If you are starting with frozen meat, defrost it in the refrigerator before you plan to cook.
  2. Heat ½ cup (120 milliliters) of oil in a large skillet on medium heat. 
  3. While oil is warming, peel and finely chop the onions and garlic. 
  4. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and garlic and stir to coat. Cook until onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add meat to the skillet. Break up the meat into crumbles, then stir to coat crumbles in the oil and onion. Cook until meat is browned, about 15 minutes. 
  6. Stir in tomato paste. Cook until tomato paste starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
  7. In your largest pot, bring the canned tomatoes to a lively simmer, then add onion-meat-garlic mixture, bay leaves, and remaining ½ cup (120 milliliters) of oil.  
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a lively simmer. Cook, partially covered, until sauce is a deep red, between 4 to 5 hours. For extra-thick sauce, cook uncovered until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Divide the cooked sauce into airtight containers, taking care to leave an inch or two of space at the top for the sauce to expand in the freezer. Let the sauce cool for at least 15 minutes before closing containers. Use masking tape and a marker to label containers with the date. 
  10. Cool sauce to room temperature in containers, then transfer them to the freezer. 

Serve the Sauce:

  1. To defrost a jar of sauce, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator two days before you plan to serve it. 
  2. Warm sauce in a pot on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 
  3. Cook pasta of your choice according to package instructions. If baby is under 12 months, don’t salt the cooking water. 
  4. Use a slotted spoon, sieve, or colander to transfer the pasta directly from boiling water to a mixing bowl. Don’t discard the pasta cooking water yet.
  5. Stir your desired amount of sauce into the pasta, adding some of the pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce as you like.
  6. Scoop some pasta into baby’s bowl. Serving size varies. Let the child decide how much to eat. 
  7. Season the pasta and sauce for adults and older children with salt to taste. Keep warm while baby’s pasta cools to room temperature. When you are ready to serve, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Offer baby the bowl of cooled pasta and sauce and let the child self-feed. If you like, preload a utensil and rest it next to the food for the child to try to pick up. Alternatively, pass the preloaded utensil in the air for the child to grab from you. 

To Store: Bolognese Sauce keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days or in the freezer for 6 months.

Meal Ideas:

  1. Serve bolognese sauce over polenta instead of pasta.  
  2. Mix penne, vegetables, and bolognese sauce for a simple pasta bake.  
  3. Mash rice and bolognese sauce into stuffing for bell pepper, tomato, or zucchini.
  4. Thicken bolognese sauce with breadcrumbs and roll into meatballs.

Flavor Pairings

Tomatoes are packed with umami! Their acidity can balance rich, flavor-forward foods like anchovy, bacon, capers, cheese, eggs, and olives, but the tanginess also complements similarly tart fruits like citrus, melon, and strawberries. Versatile and easy to prepare, tomatoes pair well with cucumbers, peppers, or your favorite crunch veggie in a salad. They’re also easily mixed into farro, quinoa, or your favorite hearty grain. Try seasoning tomatoes with equally bright flavors from fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, or dill are lovely) or bold spices like coriander, cumin, sumac, or turmeric.

Reviewed by

J. Truppi, MSN, CNS

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP

K. Rappaport, OTR/L, MS, SCFES, IBCLC

K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT

S. Bajowala, MD, FAAAAI. Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist (allergy section)

R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP. Board-Certified General Pediatrician & Pediatric Gastroenterologist

  1. Paulsen, E., Christensen, L. P., & Andersen, K. E. (2012). Tomato contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis, 67(6), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2012.02138.x. Retrieved August 14, 2020
  2. Riso P, Visioli F, Erba D, Testolin G, Porrini M. Lycopene and vitamin C concentrations increase in plasma and lymphocytes after tomato intake. Effects on cellular antioxidant protection. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004;58(10):1350-1358. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601974
  3. Young, A. J., & Lowe, G. L. (2018). Carotenoids-Antioxidant Properties. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 7(2), 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox7020028
  4. Bungau, S., Abdel-Daim, M. M., Tit, D. M., Ghanem, E., Sato, S., Maruyama-Inoue, M., Yamane, S., & Kadonosono, K. (2019). Health Benefits of Polyphenols and Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Diseases.  Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2019, 9783429.
  5. Khoo, H. E., Prasad, K. N., Kong, K. W., Jiang, Y., & Ismail, A. (2011). Carotenoids and their isomers: color pigments in fruits and vegetables. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 16(2), 1710–1738.
  6. D’Ambrosio, D. N., Clugston, R. D., & Blaner, W. S. (2011). Vitamin A metabolism: an update. Nutrients, 3(1), 63–103.
  7. Story, E. N., Kopec, R. E., Schwartz, S. J., & Harris, G. K. (2010). An update on the health effects of tomato lycopene. Annual review of food science and technology, 1, 189–210.
  8. Stahl W, Heinrich U, Wiseman S, Eichler O, Sies H, Tronnier H. Dietary tomato paste protects against ultraviolet light-induced erythema in humans. J Nutr. 2001;131(5):1449-1451. doi:10.1093/jn/131.5.1449
  9. Chaudhary, P., Sharma, A., Singh, B., & Nagpal, A. K. (2018). Bioactivities of phytochemicals present in tomato. Journal of food science and technology, 55(8), 2833–2849.
  10. Braun J. M. (2017). Early-life exposure to EDCs: role in childhood obesity and neurodevelopment. Nature reviews. Endocrinology, 13(3), 161–173. DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2016.186. Retrieved August 14, 2020
  11. Asero R. (2013). Tomato allergy: clinical features and usefulness of current routinely available diagnostic methods. Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology, 23(1), 37–42. Retrieved August 14, 2020
  12. Muluk, N. B., & Cingi, C. (2018). Oral allergy syndrome. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 32(1), 27–30. DOI: 10.2500/ajra.2018.32.4489. Retrieved August 14, 2020
  13. Paulsen, E., Christensen, L. P., & Andersen, K. E. (2012). Tomato contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis, 67(6), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2012.02138.x. Retrieved August 14, 2020

Ultimate Guide to Tomatoes for Babies (with Recipes)

Jump to Recipe

Tomatoes are the perfect finger food for babies. Here's how to cook and serve to your baby along with plenty of recipes to help make introducing tomatoes easy and fun!

Jump to:
  • When can babies eat tomatoes?
  • Health Benefits
  • Are tomatoes safe for babies?
  • Selecting the best tomatoes
  • Cooking Methods
  • How to cut tomatoes for babies
  • Baby-Friendly Tomato Recipes
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to Cook Tomatoes for Babies

When can babies eat tomatoes?

This nutritious fruit 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

Although prepared like a vegetable, tomato is actually a fruit that belongs to the nightshade family, along with eggplants, potatoes, and peppers.

The rich red color of tomatoes is due to a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits including heart health, protection against cancers and sunburns.

The yellow and orange-hued tomatoes contain beta carotene (also found in carrots and sweet potatoes).

Both lycopene and beta carotene are carotenoids which, once consumed, get converted into vitamin A, a key nutrient for good vision, cell growth, and a healthy immune system.

Carotenoids must be consumed through the diet and are best absorbed when eaten with dietary fat.

Tomatoes are also great sources of vitamin C which, when paired with plant-based iron foods, can greatly enhance the absorption of iron.

Are tomatoes safe for babies?

Raw tomatoes, particularly cherry and grape tomatoes, are a potential choking hazard, so be sure to follow the serving suggestions listed below.

You may notice redness where the tomatoes came in contact with your baby's skin. This is not necessarily a sign of an allergic reaction. Rather it's most likely a mild skin irritation due to the tomato's high acid content.

Most definitely consult your doctor if the irritation is severe. But if it's mild and goes away once the skin is cleaned, then there's no need to restrict tomatoes from their diet.

If it bothers you, though, opt for orange and yellow tomatoes which tend to be less acidic.

Selecting the best tomatoes

Nothing beats locally grown tomatoes during their peak summer season. The less they travel and more time they spend ripening on the vine, the better!

There are thousands of types of tomatoes, but you're most likely to find beefsteak, roma, cherry, grape, and heirloom tomatoes.

No matter the variety, here are some things to look for:

  • Choose ones that feel heavy for their size and aren't too hard or soft.
  • Avoid those with bruises, blemishes, or wrinkled skin. The skin should be smooth, shiny, and uniform.
  • Take a sniff! If it smells earthy and sweet around the stem end, grab as many as you can ;). 

Cooking Methods

While you can serve raw tomatoes to your baby, if you are feeling nervous and want to cook until soft, then here are the top methods to try.

Note that cooking will increase lycopene while decreasing vitamin C content.

I recommend leaving the skin on for added nutritional value, but you can certainly peel it before serving if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Blanch

Boil a pot of water. Using a pairing knife, cut an "X" in the bottom of each tomato. Cut just enough to pierce through the skin, but not too deep into the flesh. Add to the boiling water and cook for 20-30 seconds. Remove and put in ice-water-filled bowl.

Steam

  1. Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Cut an "X" in the bottom of each tomato and place in the basket cut side up.
  2. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes.

You can transfer to a bowl with ice, but I normally don't do this. You should be able to easily peel the skin.

Roast

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Place in a bowl and toss with generous amount of oil and seasoning(s) of choice.
  2. Transfer to a lined baking sheet. Spread in single layer, flesh side up.
  3. Roast for 30-35 minutes.

How to cut tomatoes for babies

6+ months old

Cut raw or cooked tomato into large wedges. You can leave the skin on or off. Your baby will most likely spit out the skin but it's a great exposure to texture.

Serve as a puree, tomato sauce, or soup (see recipes below). Stir in lentils, oatmeal, or pasta.

Best First Foods for Babies

9+ months old

By 8-9 months of age, your baby should develop their pincer grasp and be able to pick up smaller pieces. In addition to all the suggestions above, you can start offering bite-sized pieces. But do continue offering larger pieces so they can practice taking bites.

Baby-Friendly Tomato Recipes

  • Iron-rich Baby Pasta
  • Sugar Free Pizza Sauce
  • Pizza Casserole
  • Healthy Sloppy Joes
  • Veggie-loaded Bolognese
  • Pizza Eggs
  • Vitamix tomato soup
  • Sweet Potato Quinoa Lasagna

Frequently Asked Questions

Are canned tomatoes or bottled sauces ok for babies?

They are such a convenient option and actually contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes. Just be sure to look for low sodium or no-salt-added options.

How do you cut grape or cherry tomatoes for babies?

Be sure to cut the tomatoes into quarters lengthwise. Horizontally halved tomatoes can pose the same choking risk as whole grape/cherry tomatoes.

Can babies eat tomato skin?

There is no need to peel the skin (unless it makes you feel more comfortable). It will make the tomato less slippery so your baby can easily grab and bring to their mouth. Most likely they will spit out the skin.

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

How to Cook Tomatoes for Babies

Tomatoes are the perfect finger food for babies. Here's how to cook and serve to your baby along with plenty of recipes.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

  • ▢

    Steamer

  • ▢

    Sheet Pan

  • ▢ 1 pound Beefsteak or Roma tomatoes
  • ▢ Olive or Avocado oil (if roasting)
Blanch

  • Boil a pot of water. Using a pairing knife, cut an "X" in the bottom of each tomato. Cut just enough to pierce through the skin, but not too deep into the flesh. Add to the boiling water and cook for 20-30 seconds. Remove and put in ice-water-filled bowl.

Steam

  • Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Cut an "X" in the bottom of each tomato and place in the basket cut side up. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes.

Roast

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Place in a bowl and toss with generous amount of oil and seasoning(s) of choice.Transfer to a lined baking sheet. Spread in single layer, flesh side up. Roast for 30-35 minutes.

To store: transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g

Course Baby Food

Cuisine American

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly. Meals today!

At what age can a child be given tomatoes?

Many parents want to quickly introduce a healthy tomato into their children's diet. What you need to know about tomatoes before offering them to young children? What danger can they pose in themselves? At what age should a child first get acquainted with a juicy tomato?

Contents

Vegetables are essential in a child's diet - they replenish the child's body with vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are necessary for his growth and development. One of the favorite vegetables for most children who have already learned to chew is tomatoes due to their pleasant sweet and sour taste and an abundance of juice inside.

However, the bright color of this vegetable may cause doubts in parents - red fruits are considered allergenic. In this regard, the question arises - when can a tomato be introduced into the baby's diet, what effect can this appetizing and healthy vegetable have on the child's body?

Why are tomatoes useful?

Tomatoes can be called a real storehouse of vitamins. Let's take a closer look at exactly what substances are contained in the composition of these vegetables, and how they affect health.

The chemical composition of tomatoes contains many vitamins:

  • Potassium - improves heart function. It also has a hypotensive and diuretic effect;
  • Iodine - stimulates the activity of the thyroid gland;
  • Iron - participates in blood oxygen saturation;
  • Calcium - strengthens bones;
  • Copper and zinc are important elements necessary for the development and growth of cells and tissues;
  • Magnesium - have a calming effect on the nervous system.

In addition to the listed chemical elements, tomatoes are rich in other substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of various body systems:

  • Lycopene is a substance that can prevent the development of cancer;
  • Pectin, fintocides are real helpers of the digestive and excretory systems. They contain choline, which lowers blood cholesterol levels;
  • Tomato contains a lot of vitamin A and carotene, therefore it is useful for growth and vision;
  • Antioxidants - remove heavy metal salts and free radicals from the body.

Tomatoes help relieve stress and improve mood, they have a calming effect on the nervous system. They stimulate appetite, speed up metabolic processes.

In this episode of the TV program “Life is great!” with Elena Malysheva you will learn about the beneficial properties of a tomato:

If this vegetable is so tasty and healthy, then the question arises - is it possible to give it to small children? What factors can become an obstacle to the introduction of tomatoes into the diet of a baby?

  1. Tomato is considered a highly allergenic food.
  2. If you have problems with digestion and kidneys, this vegetable is contraindicated.
  3. Artificially grown tomatoes can be hazardous to health - they contain a lot of pesticides that cause severe poisoning.
  4. The use of tomatoes in large quantities is not recommended - this will adversely affect the gastrointestinal tract.

At what age should a child be introduced to a tomato?

Since tomato can cause allergies in babies, it is not recommended to give this vegetable fresh until 12 months of age. If it is known for sure that the child is allergic, then it is better not to rush, but to consult a pediatrician about introducing red fruits into the menu. Tomatoes that have undergone heat treatment (boiled or stewed, as part of vegetable soups and mashed potatoes) are safer, so they can be offered to a baby from 9 months.

During heat treatment, some of their useful properties are lost and they are used mainly to improve the taste of the dish. In ready-made vegetable purees, which are sold in stores, tomatoes also appear in products recommended for children from 8-9months.

TIP . The first acquaintance of the crumbs with a tasty vegetable can be made by treating him with tomato juice or tomato puree.

Forums:

Kima: I gave my son a tomato at 8 months old, he liked it very much, I cut it into halves and gave him a bite from the edge, I made sure that he bit off a little and chewed. I didn’t take off the peel on purpose, only if she herself lagged behind, I removed it. We have a tomato for lunch with vegetable puree: a spoonful of puree, a bitten tomato, a piece of bread. Sometimes he just panders for a tomato, it is juicy, now he really likes it in the heat.

Tanya: When I turned 10, I gave tomatoes and cucumbers a try. She liked it. Unfortunately, we don’t have our own, we give purchased ones, everything is fine. They gave us tomatoes from the village and for some reason we became allergic to them. I peel the skin and give her a slice and my daughter eats it. We already have 8 teeth, so I don’t wrinkle.

The safest choice for first foods is jars of baby food from a reputable brand. Even if you are confident in the quality of the product, the first serving is still no more than half a teaspoon . The next tomato feeding should be done in a day, not earlier. If there are no signs of allergy, then the next day the portion can be doubled.

One-year-old children can be offered a fresh vegetable, previously peeled. To remove it, it is enough to pour over the tomato with boiling water. It is better for kids to chop the tomato, bringing it to a puree state. If the child already chews well on his own, then it makes sense to add chopped tomato to the salad. Vegetable oil is ideal as a salad dressing for children, it will help lycopene to be better absorbed in the body.

IMPORTANT! If the child has problems with digestion, the use of tomato should be limited, and it is also not recommended to give cucumber with tomato in one meal.

Starting from the age of three, when the children's menu becomes diverse, you can cook meat baked with tomatoes and cheese in the oven, make vegetable casseroles with sour cream and herbs.

Pediatrically recommended fresh tomatoes

  1. Allowed to give to children older than one year but the child must be able to chew well before you give him a piece of tomato, otherwise he may choke on a piece of tomato.
  2. Small children can get fresh tomatoes only in the summer-autumn season.
  3. Up to 2 years, it is better to give the child tomatoes without skin, after scalding the tomato with boiling water.
  4. It is better to give children tomatoes without salt or with only a little salt. (Due to the high salt content, children under 3 years of age are not recommended tomato juice).
  5. For better absorption of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins, it is recommended to eat tomatoes with sour cream, vegetable oil or cheese.
  6. It is not recommended to eat a large number of tomatoes at once for children under 3 years old due to the high risk of allergic and pseudo-allergic reactions, it is better to limit yourself to one small tomato (50 g) per day.
  7. It is good to combine tomatoes with other less allergenic vegetables (cucumber, boiled potatoes) and also with meat.
  8. Sauces and ketchups with tomatoes, as well as salted and pickled tomatoes, are allowed to be given to children not earlier than 3 years old, but it is better not to give them at all.

Are canned tomatoes contraindicated for children?

Preparations for the winter, including salted and pickled tomatoes, will not bring any benefit to small children. What ingredients are added to jars during preservation? - It's a lot of salt, vinegar, hot peppers. It is known that salt prevents the removal of fluid from the body, and this puts a great burden on children's kidneys and leads to edema.

Acetic acid can cause stomach problems, as can hot spices. Given these factors, children under the age of three should not be offered canned tomatoes. From the age of four, such products are given in small quantities.

Which tomatoes are suitable for baby food?

Which tomatoes are suitable for baby food? Choose only soil-grown vegetables. Greenhouse tomatoes are dangerous - many chemicals are used to grow them.

When choosing tomatoes in the market or in the store, inspect them carefully. Vegetables should not have a putrid smell, they should not have dark spots and violations of the integrity of the peel.

Several recipes

Puree with tomato and cauliflower (suitable for children from 3 years old)

Ingredients: Cauliflower - 150 g; Butter - 20 g; Tomatoes -300 g; Hard cheese - 30.

Break the cabbage into florets, wash and boil until tender in salted water. Then melt the butter in a saucepan, add the finely chopped and peeled tomatoes. Simmer, stirring, until the dish resembles gruel.

Add the grated cheese to the hot tomato puree and mix. Mix the cauliflower with the cheese-tomato mass and puree in a blender. This dish can be frozen.

Borsch. It can be prepared for children from 2 years old

Ingredients: Potatoes - 2 pcs.; ¼ quiver of cabbage; 1/3 onion; tomatoes - 1-2 pcs.; Carrot - 1 pc.; Beets - 1 pc.; Salt, sugar to taste.

First you need to wash and peel the beets and carrots, cut them into strips and leave them to boil in boiling, salted water for about 15 minutes. Then add chopped cabbage and diced potatoes and cook for another 20 minutes. At the same time, fry the onion in a preheated pan, then add chopped tomatoes to it. Simmer borscht for 7 minutes under the lid. Then add onions and tomatoes to it, salt, add sugar to taste and cook until cooked over low heat. Your child will love this dish!

Polina and Yulia are preparing a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers with soy sauce. Quick and easy recipe, you will lick your fingers:

Allergy to tomato - what to do?

If, after the first acquaintance of the baby with a delicious vegetable, you notice allergy symptoms - rash, itching and red spots on the body, sneezing or coughing, then tomatoes should be removed from his diet.

When the allergy becomes pronounced - edema appears, you need to urgently consult a doctor to prescribe treatment. In this case, re-attempts to introduce tomatoes into the diet are made no earlier than six months later.

Read also: Vegetable purees for the first feeding (3 recipes)

How to keep tomatoes fresh

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When can children be given tomatoes

At what age can children be given tomatoes? Is it possible to give tomatoes to babies, and if so, from how many months? We will talk about tomatoes in baby food and when they can be given to a child.

Tomatoes are introduced into complementary foods for a healthy child after he has been introduced to cucumbers. Recall that we wrote about when you can give a cucumber to a baby. Do not forget that vegetables that are orange or red in color can cause an allergic reaction in a child.

Read also: Vegetable puree for the first feeding with broccoli and cheese (9-12 months)

Health benefits of tomato

zinc and iron. As well as a whole bunch of vitamins: C, K, A, B, E, B2, PP, B6, beta-carotene.

Tomato also contains lycopene. This antioxidant is found only in tomatoes and is considered extremely beneficial for the body. So, lycopene reduces the likelihood of cancer up to 30%. In addition, it strengthens the cardiovascular system and contributes to its normal functioning.

Tomato juice and tomatoes are recommended for weakened children to compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals and increase appetite; and children suffering from constipation.

When can you give a tomato to a child

How many months can you give a child tomatoes

Despite the fact that tomatoes are very useful for a child's body, you should not offer them to a child under a year old. Most experts agree that it is better to give tomatoes to children after 1.5-2 years. This is due to a possible allergy to tomatoes in infants, and the fact that they are too heavy for a delicate children's stomach. However, if you decide to introduce your child to this vegetable earlier, follow these rules.

1. Babies under one year old can only be offered tomato juice. It can be bought in the departments of baby food. Industrial tomato juice, made specifically for baby foods, does not contain impurities and spices. Babies under 8 months should not be given tomatoes in any form!

2. After a year, a child can be given a piece of fresh tomato without peel. If there is no allergic reaction, you can gradually introduce a tomato into the menu. Peeling a tomato is necessary in order to deprive it of some of the harmful chemicals that are used to grow them. To make it easier to remove the peel, cut the tomato crosswise on one side, and pour boiling water over it.

3. The amount of vegetables you give your child also matters. The recommended daily amount of vegetables for children aged 1 to 3 years is 200 g; from 3 to 6 years - up to 500 g. This rate should not be exceeded.

4. Also, do not forget that early tomatoes may contain high levels of nitrates, which are dangerous for the child's body. Therefore, they are categorically unsuitable for feeding a child. Nitrates can also be found in seasonal vegetables. Therefore, try to buy tomatoes for your child only in trusted places. You can also determine the level of nitrates in vegetables using a nitrate meter.

Read also: Tested by mom: a recipe for sun-dried tomatoes and the best dishes with them

How to give tomatoes to children

oil. Please note that there is more lycopene in thermally processed tomatoes than in fresh ones.

2. If the child suffers from a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, it is not recommended to combine tomatoes and cucumbers. In addition to the fact that they are more difficult to digest, the vitamins contained in tomatoes are also destroyed.

3. Tomato salad for young children should not be dressed with sour cream.

4. A glass of tomato juice is enough for a child to get a daily dose of vitamin A and C.

If you have any doubts about when to give a tomato to a child, or want to share your experience in introducing vegetables to children's diets, visit our forum.

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