Food guide
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense leafy green that can be introduced as soon as your baby starts solids around 6 months. It provides a great opportunity to expose your baby to earthy, savory flavors early on.
How to serve at this age
6-9 months: Steam or sauté until very soft and finely chop or blend into a puree. 9-12 months: Finely chop sautéed leaves and mix into pastas, omelets, or soft grains. 12+ months: Serve chopped sautéed leaves as a side dish or mixed into mixed-grain dishes.
Nutrition
This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for immune function and bone health. It also provides a good dose of iron, which is critical for brain development during the weaning phase. The high fiber content also helps support gentle and regular digestion.
A note from the editors
Sautéing with a little healthy fat like olive oil helps the body better absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A and K.
Good to know
Always cook chard thoroughly to break down the fibrous texture and make it easier for babies to digest. Since it contains natural nitrates, it is best served as part of a varied diet rather than as a sole source of nutrition.