Can Babies Eat Turkey?
Yes, from around 6 months. Turkey is lean, mild and full of iron, which babies really need once solids begin. Its one weakness is dryness, so keep it moist. Cook it through, then puree or finely shred it with vegetables or a splash of low-salt sauce so it does not turn into dry crumbs.
Turkey does not get much love outside of the holidays, which is a shame, because it is a great early meat. Lean protein, a good hit of iron, mild flavour. The only thing to manage is texture, since dry turkey crumbs are hard for a baby to move around the mouth. Keep it wet and you are set.
What is turkey?
Turkey is a large bird raised for its meat. The breast is very lean, while the leg is a little richer and stays moister. It is a mild, everyday poultry that soaks up other flavours, which is exactly why it works so well blended with vegetables for a baby.
Because it is so mild, turkey takes direction well. Blend it with sweet carrot, or fold it into soft mashed yam to keep every bite moist.
Turkey nutrition for babies
Turkey is mostly protein, with useful iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (cooked) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 3.6 g |
| Iron | 1.4 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
Typical values for cooked turkey. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
When can babies eat turkey?
Turkey can start from around 6 months. Cook it thoroughly every time, and keep it moist as your baby grows:
Cook the turkey through, then blend it into a smooth puree with vegetables, or shred it very finely and stir it into a moist mash. Dry on its own, lovely mixed in.
Finely shredded turkey or small soft pieces work now, still kept moist with a sauce or mash.
Soft turkey meatballs, bolognese and casseroles all fit now, just keep the salt low. Richer poultry such as duck works too, trimmed of its fat.
Tip: iron is a big reason to bring in meat around 6 months. Turkey delivers it, and pairing it with a vitamin C food like tomato or fruit helps your baby absorb even more.
Health benefits of turkey for babies
Iron
Turkey provides iron in a form the body absorbs easily, which supports healthy blood and development.
Lean protein
It is a low-fat, complete protein for steady growth, without much of the richness of some other meats.
B vitamins and zinc
Turkey adds B vitamins and zinc, which the body uses for energy and for a healthy immune system.
Turkey is a friendly first meat and a gentle step towards others. Once your baby is happy with it, you can move on to iron-rich ground beef in the same moist, blended way.
How to serve turkey safely
Do
- Cook turkey right through, with no pink.
- Keep it moist with a puree, mash or sauce.
- Remove skin and any bones.
- Pair it with a vitamin C food for the iron.
Avoid
- Dry, crumbly turkey on its own.
- Salty deli turkey and processed slices.
- Adding salt or stock cubes.
- Undercooked poultry.
Risks and safety
Turkey is low on the allergy scale, so the two real jobs are cooking it thoroughly, as with all poultry, and keeping the texture moist so dry crumbs are not a choking risk. Steer clear of salty processed turkey, which is not suited to babies.
Iron-rich first foods: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights iron-rich foods like meat from 6 months, so turkey is a good one to work into the week.
Easy turkey recipe (6 months)
Turkey and vegetable puree
Makes 2 baby portions, from 6 monthsIngredients
- A small piece of cooked turkey
- 1 small carrot
- Water or low-salt stock
Method
- Cook the turkey through and steam the carrot until soft.
- Blend the turkey and carrot together, adding water or low-salt stock a little at a time.
- Aim for a smooth, moist puree, then cool before serving.
Turkey FAQ
When can babies eat turkey?
Turkey suits babies from around 6 months. Cook it right through, then puree it or shred it finely with vegetables or a moist sauce, because dry turkey crumbs are hard to manage.
Why does turkey need to be kept moist for babies?
Turkey, especially the breast, is very lean and dries out easily. Dry crumbs can be a choking risk and are tricky to swallow, so blend it with vegetables or mix it into a moist mash or sauce.
Is turkey good for babies?
Yes. Turkey is a lean protein with iron and B vitamins. Iron matters a lot from 6 months, and meat is one of the easiest sources for the body to use.
Can babies eat sliced deli turkey?
It is best to skip deli and sliced turkey for babies, since it is usually high in salt and often processed. Plain, home-cooked turkey is the better choice.
Sources
- Domestic turkey, Wikipedia.
- FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Foods and Drinks for 6 to 24 Month Olds, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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.
