Jacqui from Noosa, Australia, wrote to ask us if beetroot (or beets, as beetroot is known in the US) is safe for her baby to eat. She also asked us to suggest a beetroot baby food recipe – and here’s our reply, should anyone else be wondering the same thing!
Guidelines vary quite significantly around the world when it comes to the introduction of beetroot!
In the UK, beetroot is often given to babies from 6 months of age – it is also a common first food in India where it is often used in soups.
Guidelines in the US are rather more conservative, with many sources suggesting 8 months of age as an age of introduction. This is due to the fact that beets (as beetroot is known in the US) are higher in natural nitrates than other vegetables.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that “Because vegetables, including green beans, carrots, squash, spinach and beets, can have nitrate levels as high or higher than that of well water, infants should not eat these foods until after age 3 months”.
Three months of age is clearly far earlier than the age recommended for the introduction of ANY solid food. At 6 months, your baby’s body is far better equipped to deal with the nitrates that occur naturally in certain foods.
Given the variation in recommendations regarding beetroot, you may prefer to check with your doctor before giving it to your baby.
That being said, we introduced fresh beetroot to our little ones from 6 months of age. It is highly nutritious and the vivid purple colour of typical beetroot makes it a fun and visually appealing food for tots!
Beetroot Baby Food Recipe
Baby’s Beetroot Mash
2 small fresh beetroot
1 apple
1 small white potato
Peel the beetroot, remove the stalks and cut into cubes.
Peel and core the apple then dice.
Peel and dice the white potato.
Steam all three ingredients until tender (start the beetroot and potatoes off first, then add the apple).
Mash the ingredients together for a yummy puree!
A quick warning – beetroot stains – so make sure you cover your little one’s clothes and the carpet when feeding it to your baby. It can also turn your baby’s pee pink – it’s nothing to worry about, but it’s nice to be prepared in the event that it happens!
More recipes, tips and information for introducing beets to baby
Does your baby enjoy beetroot (or beets)? How do you like to prepare beets for your baby? Please do leave your comments below!
karla
Wednesday 2nd of March 2011
thanks for the information! don't have any experience yet with feeding beetroot to our little girl but am currently cooking up a whole bunch for her for the coming months! will see how she likes it! on that note, it's much easier - a lot less work - to cook the beetroot skin on, with stalk and roots still attached (just scrub before boiling). you will be able to rub of the skin really easily with your fingers once the beets have cooled down!
hannah
Friday 21st of January 2011
Thank you for the feedback. I want to confess that I have never imagined that beets can be cooked/steamed!! I thought they are best consumed raw. I've always blended beets, carrots and apple to make a perfect juice for my family. I am glad to note that I can also cook beets for my baby. Thank you for your great advise.
hannah
Tuesday 18th of January 2011
Hi, A friend warned me of feeding my 2yr old with beet juice every day. She said that recent research shows that beet, consumed on a daily basis can cause cancer of the chest to my small gal. How true is this statement, and can i continue feeding the beet juice to my baby or should i discontinue. Pls help. Thanx
Christine
Tuesday 18th of January 2011
Hannah, I have never heard of this theory and wonder where your friend found this research...? Beets are generally seen as a 'weapon' against cancer due to their high antioxidant content. The World's Healthiest Foods website states
In recent lab studies on human tumor cells, betanin pigments from beets have been shown to lessen tumor cell growth through a number of mechanisms, including inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes (specifically, cyclooxygenase enzymes). The tumor cell types tested in these studies include tumor cells from colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate and testicular tissue. While lab studies by themselves are not proof of beets' anti-cancer benefits, the results of these studies are encouraging researchers to look more closely than ever at the value of betanins and other betalains in beets for both prevention and treatment of certain cancer types.
Clyde
Saturday 20th of March 2010
Thanks for all the tips and guidance, much appreciated. We will be feeding baby beets from next week onwards. Looking forward to it!
Christine
Saturday 20th of March 2010
You're welcome, hope they're a hit!
Charlotte
Wednesday 10th of March 2010
Thank you so much for all these tips - very helpful and sounds yummy. I know my 6 month old daughter will love it.