
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve kohlrabi to your baby, by age.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Start by peeling the kohlrabi to remove the tough skin, which can be hard for babies to manage. Steam or boil the kohlrabi until completely soft; it should easily smash with gentle pressure between your fingers. Serve it in two ways: either mash or purée for hand-feeding, or cut into thick batons (about the size of two adult fingers, roughly 8–10 cm/3–4 inches long) for babies to grasp and gnaw on. Avoid small raw pieces at this age as they present a choking risk.
For babies 6–9 months, offer kohlrabi as part of a balanced meal with iron-rich foods (like beef, lentils, or fortified cereals), healthy fats (such as avocado or olive oil), and vitamin C sources to aid iron absorption. A portion size of 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 g / 0.5–1 oz) of kohlrabi purée or sticks is sufficient at a meal, along with other foods. Focus on variety and introducing new textures gradually.
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
Continue peeling and steaming or boiling the kohlrabi until soft. Now, you can cut the cooked kohlrabi into thin, bite-sized pieces (about 1 cm/0.5 inch cubes or thin strips) for pincer grasp practice, or keep offering larger sticks if self-feeding is still preferred. Ensure every piece is soft enough to smush between your fingers. Avoid raw, hard chunks as they remain a choking hazard at this stage.
From 9–18 months, continue offering kohlrabi as part of mixed dishes, combining it with protein (like chicken, fish, tofu) and whole grains for a balanced plate. Portion size can increase to 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 g / 1–1.5 oz) per meal. This stage is ideal for encouraging self-feeding and exploring chunkier textures, always ensuring each piece is soft and sized to minimize choking risk.
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
Kohlrabi may now be served raw if finely grated or thinly shaved, as long as your child has developed reliable chewing skills. Alternatively, continue to serve it cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces (1 cm/0.5 inch cubes) or matchsticks. Always supervise closely and avoid large raw chunks or thick slices, which can still pose a choking risk well into toddlerhood.
After 18 months, continue serving kohlrabi regularly, raw or cooked, as part of diverse meals that include iron sources, fats and a variety of veggies. Serve 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 g / 1.5–2 oz) per meal. Encourage participation in meal prep and discussions about different textures and tastes to support adventurous eating. Always monitor for safe chewing and swallowing.
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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