Momsie › Can baby eat › Coconut
Can babies eat coconut?
Coconut can be offered once your baby has started solids, prepared to suit their stage.
How to cook coconut for a baby
- Method
- Use coconut milk or cream
- Texture
- Smooth liquid or blended
How you cut and serve coconut changes as your baby grows. That is set out age by age below.
How to prepare coconut, age by age
- 6 to 8 months
- Use full-fat coconut milk or cream mixed into purées. Avoid desiccated coconut entirely.
- 9 to 11 months
- Coconut milk or cream in blended dishes. Very finely blended coconut flesh may be introduced.
- 12 to 17 months
- Soft coconut pieces from ripe flesh, or continue using coconut milk in cooking.
- 18 months and over
- Soft fresh coconut pieces as finger food, or coconut-based dishes.
Choking risk
Never give whole coconut pieces or desiccated coconut to young babies. Use coconut milk, cream, or very finely blended flesh only.
Watch: How to avoid choking
Is coconut an allergen?
Coconut is not one of the main food allergens. Any new food can cause a reaction the first time it is offered, so give it on its own and stay with your baby while they eat.
Is coconut good for babies?
Coconut provides healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is easily digestible and provides quick energy. Full-fat coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free way to add calories and creaminess to baby purées.
- Healthy Fats
- Iron
- Manganese
- Potassium
Storing coconut
In the fridge
2 Days. Opened coconut milk must be refrigerated and used within 2 days
In the freezer
3 Months. Freeze coconut milk in ice cube trays for convenient portions
Baby recipes with coconut
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This page is general information based on NHS weaning guidance, not medical advice. Always stay with your baby while they eat. If you have concerns about allergies, choking or your baby's development, speak to your health visitor or GP.