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Celery for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

The crunchy stalk that is all fiber and strings. Raw celery is a real choking hazard, so cook it soft and pull the strings out before it goes near your baby.

When to introduce: Around 9 to 12 months
Common allergen?: No (not a common allergen)
Texture: Soft and de-stringed once cooked
Key nutrients: Vitamin K, folate, potassium, water

When can babies eat celery?

Celery can join the menu around 9 to 12 months, but it needs real preparation first. Raw, it is hard and full of long stringy fibers, so babies meet it cooked very soft, with the strings removed.

How to prepare celery, by age

9 monthsCook celery until very soft, remove the stringy fibers, then finely chop or purée it into other foods.

12 monthsSoft-cooked, de-stringed celery finely chopped into soups, stews, or mashes.

18 months+Well-cooked soft pieces with strings removed, or blended into sauces. Still not raw.

Is celery safe? Choking & prep

Raw celery is a serious choking hazard. It is hard and full of long stringy fibers, which are the real problem. Always cook it until very soft and remove the strings, or finely chop or purée it. Do not offer raw celery sticks.

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Nutrition

Celery provides vitamin K, folate, and potassium, along with a lot of water. It is mild, so it works best cooked into other dishes.

Goes well with

Carrot · Potato · Chicken

Storage & freezing

Fresh celery keeps in the fridge for a week or two. Cooked, chopped celery refrigerates a few days and freezes well in soups and purées.

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat celery?

Around 9 to 12 months, and always cooked soft with the strings removed, never raw.

Why is raw celery a choking hazard?

It is hard and full of long stringy fibers that are difficult for babies to chew and swallow safely.

How do I prepare celery for a baby?

Cook it until very soft, pull out the stringy fibers, then finely chop or purée it into other foods.

Can I put celery in baby food?

Yes. Cooked and de-stringed, finely chopped or blended celery is a good flavor base for soups and purées.

Sources

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How we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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