Tomato

Tomatoes can be offered once your baby seems ready for solids, usually at 6 months. Cherry and grape tomatoes in particular carry a choking risk. Read the serving section.

The tomato comes from Central and South America. Today it is a very common ingredient in kitchens worldwide.

Nutrition

It is high in vitamin C, so it pairs well with plant iron foods such as beans, lentils and peas. Vitamin C helps the body absorb plant iron. It also holds carotenoids, the plant pigments, which can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds differ between tomato varieties. They offer varied benefits, from supporting eyesight, immunity and heart health to protecting skin from the sun.

Every baby develops at their own pace. These tips are general guidance.

Cut a large tomato into quarters and let baby suck and gnaw on the wedges. When the skin gets in the way, take it off and give a fresh wedge. A tomato has several textures, such as slippery skin, soft flesh, seeds and juicy pulp, which can cause gagging and coughing. The acid can cause a rash where it touches skin and add to diaper rash. Do not serve too much. For a sensitive baby, choose cooked tomato or a dish in plain tomato sauce.

At 9 months, quartered cherry tomatoes work as finger food or for a pre-loaded fork. Watch for leftover skins, and if they come off, show your baby how to spit them out by sticking out your tongue.

After 24 months, keep quartering cherry tomatoes. Once your child has mature eating skills, meaning small bites with the teeth, moving food to the side of the mouth and chewing well, not stuffing food in, and spitting out poorly chewed bits, AND eats quartered cherry tomatoes easily, they may be ready to try whole ones. Always do this in a supported seat with your direct supervision. Start with halves cut lengthwise, then large ripe ones. Long oval tomatoes suit better than small round ones. Bite one first to show how. If your child shoves a whole one in, stay calm and say they need to chew. If they struggle, go back to smaller pieces.

Yes. Cherry and grape tomatoes in particular are small, round and slippery, which raises choking risk. Prepare tomatoes to suit your baby's age. Stay close during meals and set up a safe space.

Tomato allergy is uncommon but possible. Tomato belongs to the nightshade family, and some people may be sensitive to that family, though information is limited. People with grass or ragweed pollen allergy may get pollen food allergy syndrome, causing itching or discomfort in the mouth. Cooking the tomato can lower these symptoms.

Acidic foods may leave a harmless rash around the mouth and chin and add to diaper rash. After gentle cleaning, the rash usually fades within minutes.

Give a small amount alone for the first servings and watch your baby closely. If there is no reaction, increase slowly.