Turkey
Usually introduced around 6 months
Prep warning
Cook turkey through until no pink remains and serve it without added salt. Choose plain turkey over salty deli or processed turkey for babies.
Choking notes
Plain cooked turkey is low risk when it's soft and shredded, but large or tough chunks can be hard to chew. Keep pieces small and moist, and slice any tube-shaped or processed turkey lengthwise before cutting across.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook ground or whole turkey fully until no pink remains, then purée it smooth or finely shred it and moisten with breast milk, formula, broth or a vegetable purée so it isn't dry. Turkey is rich in iron, and pairing it with a vitamin C food like mashed fruit or vegetables helps the body absorb that iron. Serve it plain with no added salt.
Smooth purée or fine shreds, always moistened so it isn't dry or crumbly.
9-12 months
Offer soft shredded or finely chopped turkey as a finger food, or small soft turkey meatballs that break apart easily. Keep it fully cooked and moist, and keep serving it with iron-friendly vitamin C foods. Still no added salt, and avoid tough or large chunks.
Thin shreds, small soft pieces, or broken-up meatballs.
12-18 months
Serve turkey as bite-size soft pieces, shredded, finely chopped or ground, and cook tougher cuts slowly so they pull apart. It works well in pasta sauces, soups and family dishes. Keep it cooked through with little or no salt, and avoid processed turkey shaped like a tube or sausage unless it is cut down small.
Pea- to bite-size soft pieces; cut any tube-shaped or processed turkey lengthwise and then across.
Key nutrients
Common questions
When can my baby eat Turkey?
Most babies can try Turkey from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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