Shiso (Perilla) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve shiso (perilla) to your baby, by age.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Shiso (Perilla) to a 6–9 Months Old
Serving Instructions
Introduce shiso with a very small serving size, starting with just 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1-2.5 ml) of finely minced herb or puree mixed into a larger portion of food. Stir it into about 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml; 1-2 oz) of a familiar food like avocado mash, plain yogurt, or a mild vegetable puree. To enhance iron absorption from the shiso, pair it with a food rich in vitamin C, such as pureed sweet potato. Serve the mixture on a pre-loaded spoon to encourage self-feeding or allow your baby to explore with their hands.
How to Serve Shiso (Perilla) to a 9–18 Months Old
Serving Instructions
You can increase the serving size to about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5-5 ml) of finely minced shiso. Incorporate it directly into finger foods to encourage self-feeding and textural exploration. For example, mix it into about 1/4 cup (60 ml; 2 oz) of batter for omelet strips or into salmon patties. Pair these shiso-infused foods with a healthy fat source, like a smear of cream cheese, and a vitamin C-rich side, such as diced mango or steamed broccoli florets, to boost nutrient absorption and create a well-rounded, flavorful meal for your developing eater.
How to Serve Shiso (Perilla) to a 18+ Months Old
Serving Instructions
For toddlers, offer about 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of finely chopped or chiffonaded shiso per meal. It works wonderfully as a flavorful and nutritious garnish for rice bowls, noodle soups, or mixed into stir-fries. Encourage self-feeding by letting your toddler sprinkle the herb onto their own food. To create a balanced meal, pair the shiso-topped dish with a source of protein like tofu or chicken and a healthy fat like sesame oil. This not only provides a range of nutrients but also makes the meal more engaging and flavorful for an increasingly independent eater.
Important Safety Disclaimer
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:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
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.
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 Family Apps for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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