When can babies eat Celery?
From 6 months
Start with: Silky puree or large, firm stalk for gnawing.
Celery is a hydrating vegetable rich in Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. It also contains unique antioxidants like apigenin and luteolin. Because of its very stringy and fibrous nature, celery requires careful preparation—either cooked until completely soft or served as a large stalk for teething relief under close supervision.
How to serve Celery, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Silky puree or large, firm stalk for gnawing.
Serve only as a smooth puree. Peel the outer layer of the celery stalk with a vegetable peeler to remove the toughest strings, then steam until very soft before blending. For BLW, you can offer a large, whole, cold stalk (leaves removed) for the baby to gnaw on for teething relief, but ensure they don't break off pieces.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Soft-cooked, minced pieces.
Offer finely minced, well-cooked celery in soups or stews. At this stage, celery should be cooked until it is completely tender and the fibers have broken down. Avoid raw celery sticks or small raw pieces, as the strings can easily cause gagging.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Very thin raw strips or soft-cooked chunks.
Toddlers can explore raw celery if it is peeled to remove the strings and cut into very thin matchsticks. Celery 'logs' with a thin layer of nut butter or hummus are a classic snack at this age, provided the child is an experienced chewer and is supervised.
Choking risk & safe preparation
High choking risk
Celery is a major choking and gagging hazard due to its long, tough strings. Always peel the back of the stalk to remove these fibers for older babies. Raw chunks are dangerous; always serve finely minced or as a large stalk too big to fit in the mouth.
Allergen information
This is one of the common childhood allergens. Introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction before mixing it with new foods.
Contains or relates to these allergens:
- Celery
Nutrition & benefits
Rich in Vitamin K for healthy bones and apigenin, which has anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It is also an excellent source of natural electrolytes for hydration.
- Brain Food
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 14kcal
- Protein
- 0.7g
- Fat
- 0.2g
- Fiber
- 1.6g
- Iron
- 0.2mg
- Vitamin C
- 3.1mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 14 kcal
- Protein
- 0.7 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g
- Fat
- 0.2 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.2 mg
- Calcium
- 40 mg
- Zinc
- 0.1 mg
- Sodium
- 80 mg
- Potassium
- 260 mg
- Magnesium
- 11 mg
- Phosphorus
- 24 mg
- Selenium
- 0.4 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- 0.1 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 22 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 3.1 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- < 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.3 mg
- Vitamin K
- 29.3 mcg
- Folate
- 36 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 6.1 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 1.6 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Celery
Iron-Rich Beef Bolognese (Baby Version)
A nutrient-dense, slow-cooked sauce packed with iron and vitamins. This version uses finely minced beef and soft-cooked vegetables in a natural tomato base, perfect for serving over tiny pasta or mashed potatoes.
Chunky Chicken & Vegetable Soup
A classic, warming soup filled with tender chicken, garden vegetables, and tiny pasta. Naturally flavored with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon, it's a complete meal in a bowl.
Iron-Boost Lamb & Lentil Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked stew designed for maximum iron absorption. Tender lamb pieces and soft red lentils are simmered with aromatic vegetables and a touch of rosemary, providing a nutrient-dense meal that supports brain development and a healthy gut.
Hearty Lentil Soup with Crusty Bread
A comforting, iron-rich soup made with red lentils and sweet root vegetables. Served with thin strips of crusty bread for dipping, this meal is perfect for toddlers practicing their spoon skills and chewing.
Veggie-Loaded Spaghetti Bolognese
A classic, iron-rich meat sauce packed with finely grated carrots and celery. Served over soft whole-wheat spaghetti, this is a nutritious and comforting meal for growing toddlers.
Veggie Tomato Pasta
A vibrant and nutrient-packed pasta dish that hides five different vegetables in a silky smooth sauce. It is a wonderful way to offer a variety of flavors and vitamins to your toddler in a familiar, comforting format.
Frequently asked
Is celery an allergen?
Yes, while less common in North America, celery is a top allergen in Europe. Symptoms can range from mild itching to more severe reactions. Introduce it on its own first and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Can I give my baby celery juice?
It is not recommended for babies under 12 months. Whole vegetables (pureed or soft-cooked) are better as they provide the necessary fiber and don't displace breast milk or formula intake.
Track Celery in the Nica app
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