Zucchini 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 Spears or a Puree (6+ months): Soft spears will be easy for your baby to pick up and munch on at this age. Keeping the skin on will also help it stick together while your baby holds and eats. 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.

Grated, Spiralized, or Cooked Chunks (9+ months): These smaller ways to offer zucchini will give your baby good practice with their pincer grasp. 

Spears or Chunks (12+ months): Baby may be able to handle bigger pieces again at this age as he gets better at chewing. You can also start to offer lightly steamed or raw zucchini to toddlers 18+ months of age.

Zucchini for Self Feeding

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

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, cut into spears

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2" of water to a boil over high heat. Add a steamer basket and add the zucchini, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Cut in an age-appropriate way and serve. 

Notes

Age: 6+ months

Yield: 3-4 small 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 zucchini are a pinch of basil, cinnamon, garlic, thyme, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, Italian seasoning, cilantro, or parsley.

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

There are so many ways to enjoy this summer squash, and good thing because it is loaded with nutrients!

• Loaded with beta-carotene for healthy eyes
• An excellent source of vitamin C to help with iron absorption and support the immune system
• A good source of potassium to help balance fluid levels and keep heartbeat regular.
• Contains vitamin K for healthy bones and blood clotting.