When can I start feeding my baby spinach? Do I have to wait until he is one?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting to introduce spinach until a baby is 7-9 months of age, since there is a small possibility that spinach will contain nitrates. The probability is extremely small, almost 0%, that there will be a dangerous level of nitrates. Some experts believe that it is not necessary to even mention this problem, since it is so rare and since spinach is a very healthy green vegetable. Commercial baby food manufacturers screen for nitrates, so babies as young as 6-7 months can be introduced to commercially-prepared spinach for babies. Certainly a one year old baby can have spinach. Raw spinach must be washed carefully to remove soil and bacteria. Spinach to be cooked should be washed to remove soil; steaming over boiling water should kill any bacteria. Homegrown spinach and other produce should not be home-cooked for baby, just in case there is lead in the soil. One other thing about spinach. Unlike kale, it contains oxalic acid, an enzyme that competes with calcium for absorption in the intestines. It is best to feed your baby calcium-containing foods (such as pasteurized natural cheese and yogurt, and cow’s milk for toddler’s older than one year) at other meals that do not include spinach for maximum calcium absorption. Thanks for your question!