What Can Babies Eat at Thanksgiving? How to Serve a Baby-Safe Plate From the Family Meal

 

If the idea of Thanksgiving with a baby gives you more stress than gratitude, you’re not alone! Between the travel, the naps, the well-meaning relatives, and the pressure to make a “perfect first holiday,” it can feel like your baby needs their own separate menu. They don’t.

If your little one is starting solids this season, Thanksgiving is actually the perfect opportunity to include them in the family meal. With a few simple tweaks, they can enjoy many of the same foods you’re eating - from mashed sweet potatoes to tender green beans and strips of turkey.

So whether you’re spoon-feeding, doing baby-led weaning, or a mix of both, here’s how to make Thanksgiving a meal your baby can be part of too.

How babies learn when they share the same foods as the family

When babies eat what the family eats (in a baby-safe way), they get more than just a meal - they get connection. They watch, mimic, and learn. They see your joy when you take that first bite of stuffing, or your toddler sneak a roll off the table. And that’s where real learning happens.

Research has shown that babies who eat the same foods as their families are more likely to develop positive eating habits and be open to new flavors later on. It’s also a lot easier on you - one meal, one kitchen mess.

As Feed Well Co. explains, sharing meals helps babies develop a healthy relationship with food right from the start. When little ones see their family eating and enjoying the same foods, it builds trust and curiosity - two key ingredients for raising confident eaters.

 

How to make Thanksgiving foods baby-safe at each feeding stage

You don’t need a separate “baby Thanksgiving.” Most of what’s already on your table can be adapted - just think soft textures, low salt, and small pieces. Here’s how to make it work for every stage:

What 5-6 month olds can safely enjoy at their first Thanksgiving

At this stage, your baby is just exploring. Focus on smooth purées or soft foods that can be mashed easily between your fingers.

Offer:

• Mashed sweet potatoes (skip the butter and sugar - your baby will love the natural sweetness)
  

• Smooth puréed green beans
  

• A spoonful of plain pumpkin purée
  

• Turkey puréed with a bit of breast milk or water
  
  

Keep it simple. One or two ingredients at a time. Let them explore with their senses - touch, taste, and smell are all part of learning.

Baby-led Thanksgiving finger foods for 6-9 month olds

Now your baby’s ready for a little more adventure. Think soft chunks or finger-length pieces that they can hold and gum safely.

Offer:

• Soft roasted or steamed green beans (cut in half if needed)
  

• Strips of turkey (dark meat is softer and easier to chew)
  

• Mashed or slightly chunky sweet potatoes
  

• Soft rolls or bread torn into small bites
  
  

Let them self-feed as much as possible, even if it gets messy - it builds independence, confidence, and fine motor skills.

Thanksgiving foods that work well for older babies and toddlers (10-18 months)

Once your baby has some solid chewing skills, they can enjoy small bites of almost everything you’re eating - just avoid choking hazards (whole grapes, raw veggies, nuts).

Offer:

• Bite-sized pieces of turkey
  

• Green bean “fries” or small pieces of roasted veggies
  

• Mashed potatoes or stuffing without excess salt or butter
  

• Bits of soft roll or cranberry sauce for fun flavor exposure
  
  

You can even plate their meal like the family’s - a little turkey, a veggie, and a mash - because presentation starts to matter at this age.

As Happiest Baby explains, inviting babies to the table helps them feel included and learn that mealtime is a shared family experience.

 

Baby-friendly Thanksgiving recipes that fit seamlessly into the family meal

Here’s a full Thanksgiving meal that’s baby-friendly, seasonal, and easy enough to make alongside your main dishes.

Green bean “fries” for little hands (6 months+)

Crispy veggies for little fingers.

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss green beans in olive oil.
Spread in a single layer and roast for about 15 minutes, until soft and lightly crisped.

Tip: These make a great finger food. As your baby gets older, try sprinkling with mild spices like garlic powder or a pinch of paprika for flavor exploration.

Soft, cozy mashed sweet potatoes for early eaters (5 months+)

Soft, naturally sweet, and perfect for first tastes.

Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
1–2 tbsp water, breast milk, or formula (for thinning)
Optional: pinch of cinnamon

Directions:
Steam or boil sweet potatoes until very tender (about 10–12 minutes).
Mash with butter and add liquid as needed to reach your desired texture.
For younger babies, purée until smooth; for older ones, leave it a little chunky.

Tip: You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy, festive flavor.

Tender turkey strips for babies exploring new textures (7 months+)

Simple, soft, and satisfying.

Ingredients:
1 small piece of cooked turkey (dark meat preferred)

Directions:
Cut into finger-length strips for baby-led weaning.
For younger babies, shred or finely chop and mix with a bit of breast milk or broth to moisten.
Serve warm and soft - skip any salty seasoning or gravy.

Tip: The darker meat tends to stay juicier, which makes it easier for little ones to chew.

Simple, nourishing leftover Thanksgiving recipes for babies

Because let’s be real - half the fun of Thanksgiving is the leftovers. These recipes turn your extra turkey and green beans into simple, nutritious meals your baby can enjoy for days.

Leftover turkey, sweet potato & apple hash (9 months+)

Comforting, cozy, and baby-approved.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 cup cooked, shredded turkey
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 apple, peeled and diced
½ tsp thyme
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Directions:
Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add turkey, sweet potatoes, apple, and thyme. Sauté for 10 minutes.
Pour in broth, cover, and simmer until potatoes are soft (about 10 more minutes).
Mash lightly for younger babies or serve as-is for toddlers.

Tip: This one reheats beautifully - perfect for a quick lunch the next day.

Green bean & chive bites (9 months+)

Savory and full of flavor - a fun way to reuse leftover beans.

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked green beans, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
¼ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:
Mix green beans, chives, breadcrumbs, and egg until combined.
Shape into small patties.
Heat oil in a pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden.
Let cool before serving.

Tip: These bites can be served warm or cold, and even adults love them.

Easy ways to help your baby feel included in Thanksgiving traditions

Babies benefit from being part of shared meals. They learn through watching, tasting, and exploring. You can make this even more special by letting your baby be part of selecting the food, too.

If you have a local farm or produce stand nearby, take a little trip together before Thanksgiving. Show your baby the sweet potatoes, green beans, and apples you’ll be cooking with. Let them touch and smell - even if they can’t say “sweet potato” yet, they’re making connections between the food on their plate and where it comes from.

And if a farm visit isn’t realistic, a simple walk through the grocery store produce section works too. Point out the colorful fruits and veggies - it’s an easy way to teach curiosity and gratitude around food from the very beginning.

Final tips for serving a Thanksgiving meal your baby can enjoy with confidence

This Thanksgiving, remember: babies don’t need perfect food - they just need to be included. Skip the stress of making a separate “baby meal.” With a few adjustments, they can enjoy what everyone else is having, safely and happily.

From mashed sweet potatoes to green bean fries and turkey strips, your baby’s first Thanksgiving can be delicious, meaningful, and simple - just like it’s meant to be.

And if you’re looking for even more seasonal ideas, the Bebe app has dozens of fall-inspired purées, finger foods, and combos that grow with your little one. Because mealtime should be about connection - not perfection.

Written by Whitney Cardosi

Chef & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

Whitney Cardosi is a recipe developer and the founder of Wellness with Whit, where she helps millennial moms simplify health and nutrition through coaching, cooking classes, and workshops. At Bébé Foodie, Whitney brings her passion for joyful, stress-free family meals to life with nourishing recipes designed for little ones and their parents. She's also the author of In the Kitchen: Healthy Meals You’ll Actually Enjoy, a cookbook full of family-friendly inspiration.