When can babies eat Cabbage?
From 6 months
Start with: Silky, well-blended puree.
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable loaded with sulfur-containing compounds that support detoxification and gut health. It is exceptionally high in Vitamin K and Vitamin C. When cooked, its natural sugars emerge, making it surprisingly sweet. It is a fantastic base for introducing savory, complex flavors to a baby's diet.
How to serve Cabbage, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Silky, well-blended puree.
Serve as a smooth puree. Steam or boil cabbage leaves until they are translucent and completely soft, then blend with a little cooking water or breast milk. Because cabbage is very fibrous, ensure it is blended thoroughly to avoid any stringy bits. It pairs well with apple or pear puree to balance the flavor.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Soft-cooked, finely shredded bits.
Offer finely shredded, well-cooked cabbage. Stewed cabbage (like in a soup or with minced meat) is ideal at this stage. Ensure the pieces are small and soft enough to be mashed between the gums. Avoid raw cabbage or large, broad leaves which can be difficult to manage.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Tender cooked shreds or very fine raw shreds.
Toddlers can enjoy cabbage in more varied forms, such as sautéed cabbage 'noodles' or in stuffed cabbage rolls (Sarma). You can introduce very finely shredded raw cabbage (coleslaw style) if the child is an experienced chewer, but cooked is still easier to digest.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Moderate choking risk
The main risk with cabbage is the leaves clinging to the airway. Large, flat pieces of cooked leaf can be hard for a baby to move with their tongue. Always shred or mince cabbage finely. Ensure the tough 'rib' or core of the cabbage is removed before cooking for babies.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
An excellent source of Vitamin K (76mcg) for bone development and Vitamin C (36.6mg). It contains glutamine, an amino acid that specifically fuels and repairs the lining of the digestive tract.
- Digestion-friendly
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 25kcal
- Protein
- 1.3g
- Fat
- 0.1g
- Fiber
- 2.5g
- Iron
- 0.5mg
- Vitamin C
- 36.6mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 25 kcal
- Protein
- 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5.8 g
- Fat
- 0.1 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.5 mg
- Calcium
- 40 mg
- Zinc
- 0.2 mg
- Sodium
- 18 mg
- Potassium
- 170 mg
- Magnesium
- 12 mg
- Phosphorus
- 26 mg
- Selenium
- 0.3 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- 0.2 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 5 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 36.6 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.1 mg
- Vitamin K
- 76 mcg
- Folate
- 43 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 10.7 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 2.5 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Cabbage
Gently Simmered Sarma Purée for Baby
Inspired by traditional Balkan sarma, this comforting bowl combines tender beef, shredded cabbage, tomato, and soft brown rice. Specially blended into a smooth purée, it provides a gentle, iron-rich dish perfect for babies starting solids.
Turkey, Cabbage & Carrot Mini Fritters
These soft turkey mini fritters are packed with finely shredded cabbage, sweet carrot, and oats for extra texture and iron. Designed to be easy for little hands to hold, they make a wonderful baby-led weaning lunch or snack.
Frequently asked
Does cabbage cause gas in babies?
Yes, cabbage contains complex sugars that can lead to gas. To minimize this, start with very small amounts and ensure the cabbage is cooked thoroughly until very soft, which helps the baby's tummy break it down more easily.
Which cabbage is best: Green, Red, or Savoy?
All are great! Red cabbage has more antioxidants (anthocyanins), while Savoy cabbage is often tenderer and easier to puree for beginners. Green cabbage is the classic choice for stewing.
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