Asparagus is a good food for your baby to self-feed, whether for baby-led weaning, which happens around 6 months of age, or during the finger foods stage at 9 months.

Cooked Whole Spears or Puree (6+ months): Whole spears will be easier for babies to grab at this age since your baby will not have developed the pincer grasp yet for smaller pieces You can offer purees and still allow your baby to lead the way with self-feeding by placing some spoonfuls directly on your baby's tray or bowl to let them explore on their own, or you can hand them a pre-loaded self-feeding spoon.

Cooked Chopped Spears (9+ months): Babies start to develop the pincer grasp, allowing them to pick up small pieces. Slice them lengthwise to change their round shape to reduce the choking risk. 

Cooked or Raw Spears (12+ months): can also continue to offer cooked pea-sized pieces as mentioned above.

Asparagus for Self-Feeding

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3-4 servings
Age: 6+ months 

Ingredients

• 1/2 a bunch of asparagus, roughly 2 cups, trimmed
• 1/2 clove garlic
• 1 tsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

1. In a medium skillet, over medium heat, add the olive oil and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add in the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes or until fork tender, stirring often. Let cool. 
2. Cut in an age-appropriate way and serve. 

Notes

Age: 6+ months

Yield: 4 portions for baby

Storage: you can store this recipe in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. 

Spices/Herbs: Adding spices to your baby’s foods is a great way to introduce more complex flavors at an early age. Some great spices and herbs to add to cooked asparagus are a pinch of garlic, nutmeg, smoked paprika, milk chili powder, cumin rosemary, basil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Puree for Self-Feeding: Yes, it can be done! You can offer purees and still allow your baby to lead the way with self-feeding.

• Place a few spoonfuls of purees directly on the tray or in a bowl for your baby to dip fingers into. Model how to dip your fingers into the puree and bring them to your mouth, to taste some.
• Offer your baby a pre-loaded self-feeding utensil and hold it out for them to grasp or set on their tray. 
• Use a solid food as a dipper. You can also offer a soft stick-shaped piece of food, such as a soft roasted carrot or bread lightly toasted and cut into strips to dip into the puree.

Nutritional Information

• An excellent source of vitamin K for bone health and blood clotting.
• A good source of vitamin C, for iron absorption and immune support.
• A good source of vitamin A, for healthy eyes.
• Contains prebiotic fiber to help feed the good bacteria in the gut.