Cucumber is one of the easiest first vegetables to prepare: no cooking needed for older babies, just careful cutting and (in early months) peeling to remove the firm skin.
When babies can eat cucumber
Babies can eat cucumber from around 6 months once they show signs of readiness for solids.
Before about 9 months, peel the cucumber and remove the centre with the seeds — the skin can be tough for very new eaters and the seedy core can be slippery. From 9–10 months most babies handle peeled cucumber with seeds; from around 12 months most babies can eat washed unpeeled cucumber comfortably.
Cucumber is not a common allergen and is generally well tolerated. It is naturally low in sugar, salt, and calories.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Nutritional benefits for babies
- 💚Excellent hydration on hot days or during teething — about 96% water.
- 💚Vitamin K supports healthy blood clotting and bone development.
- 💚Small amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium support overall growth.
- 💚Antioxidants in the peel support a healthy immune system (once your baby is ready for unpeeled).
- 💚Very mild flavour — a great vehicle for yogurt, hummus, or mashed avocado.
How to serve cucumber for babies
6–9 months (peeled, deseeded): Peel the cucumber and slice lengthwise into long batons the length of an adult finger, then cut away the seedy centre. Each baton should be firm but not hard — if your cucumber is very crisp, lightly steam the batons for 2–3 minutes to soften.
6–9 months (chilled teething stick): Refrigerate peeled cucumber batons for 30 minutes and offer one as a soothing teether under close supervision. Stop once the surface starts to break down or your baby bites a piece off.
9–12 months: Peeled or partially-peeled (zebra stripes) cucumber sticks; finely diced cucumber in yogurt; grated cucumber stirred into mild raita or tzatziki (use whole-milk yogurt, no salt).
12+ months: Cucumber sticks with hummus or guacamole, cucumber-and-feta family dish (omit added salt for baby's portion), thin cucumber wheels in lunchbox salads.
How to cut cucumber for baby
For safe shapes and sizes by age, see our detailed How to cut cucumber for baby guide.
Also check how to cut food for baby-led weaning for general BLW cutting tips.
Cucumber recipes for babies
We're adding more cucumber recipes. Check back soon.
Browse all baby recipes →See all cucumber recipes for babies. Explore baby breakfast recipes, baby-led weaning recipes and first foods for baby for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies eat Cucumber?
Yes. Babies can eat Cucumber starting around 6 months when they begin solid foods. It should be served in a safe texture and size for babies.
When can babies eat Cucumber?
Babies can eat Cucumber from around 6 months when starting solids. Babies can eat cucumber from around 6 months once they show signs of readiness for solids. Before about 9 months, peel the cucumber and remove the centre with the seeds — the skin can be tough for very new eaters and the seedy core can be slippery. From 9–10 months most babies handle peeled cucumber with seeds; from around 12 months most babies can eat washed unpeeled cucumber comfortably. Cucumber is not a common allergen and is generally well tolerated. It is naturally low in sugar, salt, and calories.
Is Cucumber a choking hazard for babies?
Cucumber is generally safe for babies when prepared properly. 6–9 months (peeled, deseeded): Peel the cucumber and slice lengthwise into long batons the length of an adult finger, then cut away the seedy centre. Each baton should be firm but not hard — if your cucumber is very crisp, lightly steam the batons for 2–3 minutes to soften. 6–9 months (chilled teething stick): Refrigerate peeled cucumber batons for 30 minutes and offer one as a soothing teether under close supervision. Stop once the surface starts to break down or your baby bites a piece off. 9–12 months: Peeled or partially-peeled (zebra stripes) cucumber sticks; finely diced cucumber in yogurt; grated cucumber stirred into mild raita or tzatziki (use whole-milk yogurt, no salt). 12+ months: Cucumber sticks with hummus or guacamole, cucumber-and-feta family dish (omit added salt for baby's portion), thin cucumber wheels in lunchbox salads.
Is Cucumber a common allergen?
Some babies may be allergic to Cucumber. Introduce Cucumber carefully when babies start solids and watch for reactions.
How should Cucumber be served to babies?
6–9 months (peeled, deseeded): Peel the cucumber and slice lengthwise into long batons the length of an adult finger, then cut away the seedy centre. Each baton should be firm but not hard — if your cucumber is very crisp, lightly steam the batons for 2–3 minutes to soften. 6–9 months (chilled teething stick): Refrigerate peeled cucumber batons for 30 minutes and offer one as a soothing teether under close supervision. Stop once the surface starts to break down or your baby bites a piece off. 9–12 months: Peeled or partially-peeled (zebra stripes) cucumber sticks; finely diced cucumber in yogurt; grated cucumber stirred into mild raita or tzatziki (use whole-milk yogurt, no salt). 12+ months: Cucumber sticks with hummus or guacamole, cucumber-and-feta family dish (omit added salt for baby's portion), thin cucumber wheels in lunchbox salads.
What nutrients does Cucumber provide for babies?
Cucumber provides nutrients like potassium, vitamin C that support babies' growth and development.
How long can I store Cucumber for babies?
Cook Cucumber to a safe temperature and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze in single-serving portions for up to 1 month to preserve nutrients.
Should I buy organic Cucumber for my baby?
Organic Cucumber isn't strictly necessary for babies, but some families prefer to reduce pesticide exposure. Wash conventional produce thoroughly. Variety and freshness matter most.
How should I introduce Cucumber for the first time?
Offer a small amount of Cucumber in an age-appropriate texture when your baby is hungry but not starving, ideally early in the day so you can watch for any reactions over several hours.
Is Cucumber a good finger food for babies?
Yes. Cucumber can be an excellent finger food for babies when cut into strips or soft pieces they can grasp. Make sure the texture mashes easily between your fingers.
What foods pair well with Cucumber for baby?
Cucumber pairs well with grains like rice, oats, or pasta, soft proteins like chicken or lentils, and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado.
Should I cook Cucumber before serving it to my baby?
Yes. Cook Cucumber until tender and easily mashable before serving it to your baby. Steaming, boiling, or roasting softens it enough to be safe.
How much Cucumber can a baby eat?
There's no fixed amount. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of Cucumber from around 6 months and let your baby regulate intake. Breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition in the first year.
Should I peel or remove the pit from Cucumber for my baby?
Yes. Before serving Cucumber to your baby, remove any inedible parts (skin, seeds, pit, or tough core) as recommended in the safety guide to reduce choking risk.
Can I mix Cucumber with baby cereal?
Yes. Mashing Cucumber and stirring it into baby cereal (oat, rice, or multigrain) is a simple way to add flavor, fiber, and nutrients to your baby's meals.
How should I store Cucumber fresh for my baby?
Store fresh Cucumber in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator crisper drawer, depending on the food. Wash just before preparing and use it when ripe and firm for the best quality for your baby.
Safety tips
- ✓Cut cucumber into long batons or thick sticks, never thin coin-shaped wheels — round, slippery wheels are a known choking shape for babies under 12 months.
- ✓Peel and deseed for babies under about 9 months. The peel is firm and the seedy core is slippery.
- ✓Always wash unpeeled cucumber thoroughly — including ridges if using English / lebanese varieties.
- ✓Avoid pickled cucumbers (pickles) and salted Asian-style cucumber salads for babies under 12 months — both are high in salt.
- ✓Cucumber breaks down with bite force from molars; once a piece is in your baby's mouth and they begin to chew, stay close. Offer water alongside.
Make Starting Solids Simple
Nibli helps parents confidently introduce new foods with simple recipes, feeding schedules, and cutting guides.
Try Nibli today to start planning your baby's meals.