Quick answer
Most babies are ready to start solids around 6 months, once they can sit up with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. Tofu is a great first food because it is soft and naturally easy to mash with the gums.
When can babies eat tofu?
Most babies are ready to start solids around 6 months, once they can sit up with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. Tofu is a great first food because it is soft and naturally easy to mash with the gums.
Soy is a common allergen, but current pediatric guidance is to introduce common allergens early and not to delay them. Offer tofu on a day when your baby is well, start with a small amount, and watch for any reaction. If your family has a history of food allergies, talk with your pediatrician first.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Safety Tips
- ✓Always stay with your baby while they eat and keep them seated upright in a high chair, never reclined or on the move.
- ✓Match the cut to your baby's stage: big finger-length strips at 6 months, smaller pieces as the pincer grasp develops.
- ✓Choose firm or extra-firm tofu for self-feeding so pieces hold their shape, and keep them soft enough to mash between your fingers.
- ✓Introduce tofu on its own first, watch for signs of a soy allergy, and learn the difference between gagging, which is normal, and choking.
Select Baby's Age
How to cut tofu for a 6 month old
At 6 months, babies use a whole-hand palmar grasp, so give them pieces big enough to grab with a fist and stick out the top. Choose firm or extra-firm tofu so it holds its shape, then cut it into thick finger-length strips about the size of an adult finger, roughly 6 to 8 cm long and 1.5 to 2 cm wide. The soft texture lets your baby gum and squish the tofu easily. You can lightly coat the strips in a thin layer of baby cereal, ground nuts, or fine breadcrumbs to make them less slippery and easier to hold. Avoid small cubes or bite-size pieces at this stage, since they are harder to pick up and can be a choking risk, and skip silken tofu for self-feeding strips because it falls apart in the hand.
6 month baby feeding schedule for more tips.
Tofu recipe ideas for babies
Once your baby is comfortable with plain tofu, these simple ideas add flavor and variety. See our baby recipes.
- ★Soft tofu finger strips lightly coated in baby cereal or fine breadcrumbs for an easy grip
- ★Mashed tofu stirred into baby oatmeal or blended with banana or avocado for a creamy mash
- ★Tofu cubes gently pan-fried and tossed with soft-cooked veggies and a little olive oil
- ★Tofu and vegetable mini patties baked until tender for older babies and toddlers
Explore our baby-led weaning food list and first foods for baby for more inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can babies eat tofu?
Most babies can eat tofu from around 6 months when starting solids. Always serve it in a safe size and texture appropriate for your baby's age and development.
How do you cut tofu for baby led weaning?
For babies around 6 months, tofu should be cut into large pieces that are easy to grasp with their hands. As babies develop their chewing skills, the pieces can gradually become smaller.
How to serve tofu baby led weaning?
For BLW, cut tofu into strips or wedges that babies can hold. The texture should be soft enough to mash easily with gentle pressure.
Can babies choke on tofu?
tofu can become a choking hazard if served in small round or hard pieces. Cutting it into larger soft pieces appropriate for baby-led weaning helps reduce choking risk.
How should tofu be served to a 6 month old?
At around 6 months, tofu should be served in large soft pieces that babies can hold with their hands. See our full ingredient guide.
Is tofu safe for baby led weaning?
tofu can be included in baby-led weaning when cut into safe shapes and soft textures that babies can hold and gum.
How small should tofu be cut for older babies?
From around 9 months, babies typically use a pincer grasp, so tofu can be cut into smaller pea-sized pieces. Continue ensuring pieces are soft enough to mash and watch for any choking risk shapes.
Should tofu be cooked or raw for babies?
Cook tofu until easily mashable when raw textures are too firm for babies to gum. Soft ripe fruits are often offered raw, while firmer foods are typically steamed, roasted, or boiled until tender.
Can tofu be served as a finger food at 6 months?
Yes, tofu can be a 6-month finger food when cut into long graspable strips and softened to a mashable texture. Always supervise meals and adjust shape as your baby's chewing skills develop.
How to cut tofu for a 7 month old?
At 7 months babies still use a palmar (whole-hand) grasp. Cut tofu into long strips about 2-3 inches long and finger-width thick, with part sticking out of the fist for chewing. Soft enough to mash between two fingers.
How to cut tofu for an 8 month old?
At 8 months babies are refining grasp and may begin pincering. Continue offering tofu in 2-inch strips alongside a few small pea-sized pieces to practice the pincer grasp. Cooked until easily mashable.
How to cut tofu for a 9 month old?
At 9 months most babies have developed the pincer grasp. Cut tofu into pea-sized pieces (about ½ inch / 1.5 cm) for self-feeding practice. Continue avoiding round, hard, or sticky shapes; soft enough to mash with mild pressure.
How to cut tofu for a 10 month old?
At 10 months babies eat a wider variety of textures. Offer tofu in pea-sized pieces or small bite-sized cubes (½ inch / 1.5 cm). They can manage slightly firmer textures, but pieces should still mash easily.
How to cut tofu for a 12 month old?
From 12 months babies eat in pieces about ½ inch (1.5 cm). Round foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes) must still be quartered until age 4 due to choking risk. Soft enough to chew without much molar work.
Can babies eat tofu for breakfast?
Yes — tofu can be part of a balanced baby breakfast when prepared in baby-safe shapes. Pair with a protein, healthy fat, or whole grain (eggs, yogurt, oats, nut butter on toast) for a complete morning meal.
verifiedSources & References
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations:
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