Celery for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve celery to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Celery to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
Celery should not be served raw at this stage, as its stringy, fibrous texture poses a very high choking risk. If you wish to introduce celery flavor and nutrition, cook it thoroughly until very soft, then puree or mash it into soups, stews, or vegetable blends. Remove all strings by peeling the outer layer before cooking. Always blend to a completely smooth consistency to minimize choking risk. Do not offer raw or cut celery sticks, even in large pieces, as they are difficult for babies with little chewing skill.
Serving Instructions
For babies aged 6–9 months, celery should be fully cooked and pureed until completely smooth. Offer 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 g / 0.5–1 oz) of the puree mixed into a balanced meal that may include iron-rich foods (such as beef or lentils), healthy fats (olive oil or avocado), and a starchy vegetable or grain. Avoid serving large or raw pieces. Celery can add flavor and nutrients to soups or vegetable blends. Always ensure the consistency is free of any chunks or strings.
How to Serve Celery to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
Celery remains a significant choking risk for children under 18 months due to its stringy nature. Continue to cook celery until very soft and offer it mashed, finely chopped, or blended into spreads, soups, or stews. If offering as a finger food, remove all strings, cook well, and cut into very thin, short matchsticks (about 2–3 cm / ¾–1 in). Supervise closely and model slow chewing. Avoid raw celery sticks or thick pieces at this stage.
Serving Instructions
For children 9–18 months, continue serving cooked celery, mashed or finely chopped, in amounts of 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 g / 0.5–1 oz), as part of a meal including proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. Offer as a spread, mixed into eggs, or blended into sauces. If introducing as a finger food, make sure it is cooked soft and cut into very thin, short sticks. Raw celery should still be avoided due to choking risk. Balance the meal with a source of iron and vitamin C.
How to Serve Celery to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
Though chewing and biting skills are improving after 18 months, celery can still pose a choking hazard if not cut properly. Always remove strings by peeling, and cut celery into very thin half-moons or small pieces (less than 1 cm / ⅜ in thick). Continue to offer cooked celery in soups, stews, or as part of mixed dishes. Raw celery can be introduced in thin slices when your child demonstrates consistent chewing and is able to manage other raw vegetables safely. Supervise at all times.
Serving Instructions
From 18 months, cooked celery can be served in small pieces (about 1 tablespoon, 15 g / 0.5 oz) or as part of salads, egg dishes, or casseroles. Introduce raw celery gradually in thin slices once your child reliably chews other raw veggies. Continue to balance meals with iron-rich foods and a colorful variety of vegetables. Always supervise and avoid offering large or thick pieces. If your child has a history of gagging, stick to cooked, soft pieces for longer.
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