First Bite

Tofu

dòufu · 豆腐 · Beans, Nuts & Seeds

from 6 mochoking risk: Lowcommon allergen

A soft, easy-to-handle soy food: firm tofu in strips for gripping, silken tofu mashed into other dishes.

Your food log

How to serve, by age

6–8 mo

Cut firm (northern-style) tofu into thick strips and blanch for gripping; mash silken tofu into congee or steamed egg custard.

9–11 mo

Small tofu pieces, or a tofu and minced-meat stew.

12 mo+

Family preparations, kept low in salt.

Choking risk: Low

Tofu is soft and low risk. A whole slab of silken tofu slips down whole — mash or crumble it early on.

If choking ever happens: act immediately — call emergency services (911 in the US) and seek emergency care. Do not wait.

Allergens

Soy is one of the eight most common food allergens. First servings small, watched for two or three days.

Common questions

Silken or firm tofu?
Firm tofu carries more calcium and protein and holds its shape for gripping; silken is ultra-tender and best mashed into dishes.

Practical tips

  • Blanch tofu to remove the beany smell — better accepted.
  • Tofu, egg yolk and chopped vegetables steamed into a custard is a reliable one-bowl dish.

Sources

This page is general guidance assembled from the public sources above. It is not medical advice. For questions about your baby — including allergies, prematurity and any health condition — ask your pediatrician. See our medical disclaimer.

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