Allergen note
Tomato allergy is uncommon, but juice from raw cherry tomatoes often leaves red blotches on the cheeks and chin that fade within an hour or so and are usually just skin irritation. Offer a few pieces the first time and get medical advice if you see hives, vomiting or swelling.
How to serve
From around 6 months, offer cherry tomatoes cut lengthwise into quarters, or roasted and squashed flat. From 9–12 months, cut them into small pieces for pincer-grasp practice, and keep quartering them lengthwise until at least 4 years old.
Preparation
Wash them well, then quarter them lengthwise raw, or roast or sauté halves until soft and wrinkled and press them flat. Peeling is optional, but slipping the skins off after a quick blanch makes them easier for new eaters.
Texture and choking risk
Whole or halved cherry tomatoes are round, slippery and just the right size to block a young child's airway. Always quarter them lengthwise or flatten cooked ones, and supervise your child sitting upright while eating.
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 cherry tomato, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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