Momsie › Can baby eat › Potato
Can babies eat potato?
Potato can be offered once your baby has started solids, prepared to suit their stage.
How to cook potato for a baby
- Method
- Boil, steam, or bake
- Ready in
- 20 Min.
- Texture
- Smooth mash or soft chunks
How you cut and serve potato changes as your baby grows. That is set out age by age below.
How to prepare potato, age by age
- 6 to 8 months
- Boil or steam until very soft, then mash with a little whole milk or breast milk to a smooth lump-free purée.
- 9 to 11 months
- Mash with lumps or cut into soft small pieces as early finger food.
- 12 to 17 months
- Soft potato chunks, wedges (oven-baked soft), or mash with butter.
- 18 months and over
- All forms — mash, jacket potato, wedges, or diced in stews.
Choking risk
Always cook potato thoroughly until soft throughout. Lumpy or undercooked potato is a choking hazard. Avoid hard fried potato snacks for babies under 12 months.
Watch: How to avoid choking
Is potato an allergen?
Potato 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 potato good for babies?
Potato is one of the most universally accepted first foods for babies — its mild flavour, smooth texture, and versatility make it a kitchen staple. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, and Vitamin B6, which supports brain development. They are also energy-dense, providing the calories growing babies need.
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
- Fibre
Storing potato
In the fridge
2 Days. Keep mashed potato sealed in the fridge — add a splash of milk when reheating
In the freezer
3 Months. Mashed potato freezes well — portion into ice cube trays for baby meals
Baby recipes with potato
- Broccoli & Potato Mash
- Haddock & Potato Mash
- Potato & Leek Purée
- Chicken, Potato & Leek Stew
- Cod & Swede Bake
- Trout with Peas & Lemon
- Beef & Cabbage Hotpot
- Lamb & Root Vegetable Stew
- Mini Haddock Fishcakes
- Mini Potato & Cheese Bites
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Not sure what to offer after potato?
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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.