🥜 Tofu
Allergen note
Tofu is made from soybeans, and soy is one of the common food allergens, although many children who react to it outgrow the allergy. Offer a small amount first at home and keep it in the regular rotation if there is no reaction. If your baby has a cow's milk protein allergy, ask your pediatrician first, because some babies react to soy as well.
How to serve
At 6 to 8 months, offer firm tofu cut into finger-length strips about two adult fingers wide, or mash soft tofu into purées. At 9 to 12 months, offer small bite-sized cubes or crumbled tofu for pincer-grasp practice. From 12 months, serve cubes and crumbles in stir-fries, soups and scrambles with the family.
Preparation
Choose plain firm or extra-firm tofu for finger food. Drain it, press out the water with a clean towel, then bake, steam or pan-fry it lightly without salt or soy sauce; rolling strips in ground oats gives slippery pieces more grip. Store leftovers covered with fresh water in the fridge and use them within a few days.
Texture and choking risk
Tofu is soft and breaks apart easily, so it is not a high choking risk, but large chunks or pieces fried until crisp and chewy are harder to manage. Keep the texture soft, match the size to your baby's grasp, and always supervise with your child sitting upright.
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 tofu, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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