Can Babies Eat Mushrooms?
Yes, cooked. Mushrooms can go in from around 6 months once they are cooked soft and chopped small, though the age shown here leans cautious at 12 months. Raw mushrooms are rubbery and a choking risk, so always cook them. And only ever use shop-bought edible ones, never wild.
Mushrooms are a great way to add a deep, savoury flavour to baby food, and they are one of the few plant sources of vitamin D. Two rules keep them safe: cook them well, because raw mushrooms are rubbery and hard to chew, and stick to shop-bought edible types. Get those right and they are a lovely addition. Quorn is made from a relative of the mushroom and comes with a different set of questions.
What is a mushroom?
Mushrooms are the fleshy, edible part of certain fungi. Common shop types include button, chestnut and portobello, all of which are safe once cooked. Wild mushrooms are a different matter entirely, since some are poisonous and easy to confuse with edible ones, so they are never for babies.
Mushrooms add savoury depth that plays well with other mild foods. Cook them down with onion and garlic for a soft, tasty base, then stir the lot into rice or pasta.
Mushroom nutrition for babies
Mushrooms are low in calories but offer B vitamins, selenium and potassium, plus some vitamin D.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (raw) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 22 kcal |
| Protein | 3.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 3.3 g |
| Fibre | 1.0 g |
| Selenium | 9 mcg |
| Potassium | 318 mg |
Typical values for mushrooms. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
When can babies eat mushrooms?
Cooked mushrooms can be introduced from around 6 months, though they are sometimes left later. Always cook them soft and cut them small:
Cook mushrooms until soft, then blend them into a puree or a soft rice or pasta dish.
Stir finely chopped cooked mushrooms through soft foods so your baby meets a little more texture.
Offer small pieces of well-cooked mushroom in family meals, keeping them soft and cut small.
Two rules: never give wild-picked mushrooms to a baby, as some are poisonous, and always cook mushrooms well, since raw ones are rubbery and a choking risk.
Health benefits of mushrooms for babies
Vitamin D
Mushrooms are one of the few plant foods with some vitamin D, which supports bone health.
B vitamins
They provide several B vitamins, which the body uses to turn food into energy.
Savoury flavour
Their rich, savoury taste adds depth to meals and helps introduce babies to new flavours.
Mushrooms make an easy flavour builder. Fold them into a soft risotto, or blend them into a mild sauce to serve over pasta. Fermented foods such as natto bring the same savoury depth.
How to serve mushrooms safely
Do
- Use shop-bought edible mushrooms.
- Cook them until soft.
- Chop or blend them small for babies.
- Wipe them clean before cooking.
Avoid
- Wild-picked mushrooms, always.
- Raw, rubbery mushrooms.
- Whole or large pieces.
- Salty, fried or breaded mushrooms.
Risks and safety
The big one with mushrooms is making sure they are a safe, edible type, so shop-bought only. After that, it is texture: cook them until soft and cut them small so they are easy to chew and swallow. Allergy to mushrooms is uncommon.
Weaning advice: the NHS has guidance on introducing vegetables and finger foods safely as part of weaning.
Easy mushroom recipe (from 6 months, cooked)
Creamy mushroom and rice for baby
Makes 3 baby portionsIngredients
- 4 chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp soft cooked rice
- A splash of milk
- A little unsalted butter
Method
- Cook the finely chopped mushrooms gently in a little unsalted butter until soft and any liquid has cooked off.
- Stir in the cooked rice and a splash of milk to make it creamy and soft.
- Blend or mash to the texture your baby needs, then cool before serving.
Mushroom FAQ
When can babies eat mushrooms?
Mushrooms can be introduced from around 6 months once they are cooked until soft and chopped small, though the start age shown here is a more cautious 12 months. Always use shop-bought edible mushrooms and cook them well.
Do mushrooms need to be cooked for babies?
Yes. Raw mushrooms are rubbery and hard to chew, which makes them a choking risk. Cooking softens them and makes them easier and safer for babies to eat.
Are mushrooms good for babies?
Yes. Mushrooms are low in calories but bring B vitamins, selenium and, if they have been exposed to light, some vitamin D. Their savoury flavour is a nice change from sweeter vegetables.
Which mushrooms are safe for babies?
Only use edible mushrooms bought from a shop, such as button, chestnut or portobello. Never give wild-picked mushrooms to a baby, as some are poisonous and hard to tell apart.
Sources
- Edible mushroom, Wikipedia.
- FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Weaning and feeding, National Health Service (UK).
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. Talk to your doctor, health visitor or paediatrician about your own baby, and about starting solids or any allergy concerns.
