Celeriac (celery root) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve celeriac (celery root) to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Celeriac (celery root) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, peel and thoroughly cook celeriac until very soft (steamed or boiled works well). Mash or puree with a little breast milk, formula, or water to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency. Serve as a single-ingredient mash or blend with other root veggies for variety. At this stage, babies are learning to manage textures, so avoid offering diced or solid chunks. Remember, cooked celeriac should mash easily between your fingers. Always check temperature before serving.
Serving Instructions
Offer about 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g / 0.5-1 oz) of well-cooked, mashed or pureed celeriac as part of a meal that also includes a rich source of iron (such as well-cooked beef, lentils, or iron-fortified cereals) and a vitamin C source (like broccoli or orange). Serve once per day to start, as celeriac is nutrient-rich but not a common allergen. Observe for reactions, and always supervise closely.
How to Serve Celeriac (celery root) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For 9-18 months, continue to thoroughly cook celeriac until very soft. At this point, you can serve celeriac as a soft, chunky mash or cut into long, thick sticks (about the size of your index finger, roughly 1-2 cm / ½–¾ inch wide and 5-7 cm / 2–3 inches long). Ensure pieces are easy to grasp with a whole-hand (palmar) grip. Alternatively, celeriac can be offered in small, bite-sized pieces (no larger than 0.5cm / ¼ inch) if your child has developed pincer grasp and is used to soft solids. Always supervise as celeriac can become a choking hazard if undercooked or cut too small. Avoid raw celeriac at this age.
Serving Instructions
Offer 2-4 tablespoons (30-60g / 1–2 oz) of soft, well-cooked celeriac (as sticks, chunks, or chunky mash) as part of a meal with a protein (legume, fish, poultry) and colorful vegetables. Balance meals over the day for iron, healthy fats, and vitamin C. Celeriac pairs well with root veggies, apples, and mild herbs. Encourage self-feeding with easy-to-grasp pieces.
How to Serve Celeriac (celery root) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
For 18 months and older, celeriac can be offered cooked in a variety of shapes: thin sticks, small cubes (about 1cm / ⅓ inch), or soft slices. At this age, most children are ready to practice chewing a wider range of textures, but celeriac should still be cooked until soft. You may also serve it roasted, mixed in casseroles, or added to soups and stews. If serving raw, grate very finely or cut into matchsticks, but only if your child is proficient with chewing and swallowing. Always supervise eating, as tough or large pieces may still pose a choking risk.
Serving Instructions
Serve 3-5 tablespoons (45-75g / 1.5–2.5 oz) of cooked celeriac in varied forms (sticks, cubes, slices, or in mixed dishes) as part of a balanced meal containing protein, healthy fats, and vitamin-rich veggies. At this age, children enjoy flavor variety, so offer with roasted vegetables, dips, or as a side in casseroles and soups. Raw celeriac can be included grated in salads if child is proficient at chewing. Portion sizes may vary according to appetite.
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