Allergen note
Cauliflower allergy is rare. Offer a small amount the first time and watch for hives, vomiting or a rash; like other cabbage-family vegetables it can make some babies gassy, which is not an allergy.
How to serve
At 6–8 months, offer large soft-cooked florets with a bit of stem left on as a handle, or mash them smooth. From 9–12 months, cut soft florets into small bite-size pieces; toddlers can enjoy roasted cauliflower or cauliflower mash.
Preparation
Steam or boil florets for about 8–10 minutes, or roast them with a little olive oil, until very tender and easy to squash between your fingers. Skip added salt, and mash with a little breast milk, formula or unsalted butter for a creamy texture.
Texture and choking risk
Raw or undercooked cauliflower is hard to chew and breaks into crumbly pieces that are harder for babies to manage. Cook it until very soft, serve it in age-appropriate sizes, and keep your child seated and supervised while eating.
Sources: cdc.gov · cdc.gov · healthychildren.org · healthychildren.org · nhs.uk · nhs.uk
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries cauliflower, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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