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Onion for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

Cooked low and slow, onion turns sweet and soft and becomes the flavor base for half of everything your baby eats.

When to introduce: Around 6 months, cooked
Common allergen?: No
Texture: Cooked until very soft, minced or blended
Key nutrients: Prebiotic fiber, vitamin C, flavor

When can babies eat onion?

Onion is one of the great flavor builders, and it works beautifully in baby food once it is cooked down. Around 6 months, cook onion until it is very soft and sweet, then mince or blend it into purees, soups, and sauces. Cooking transforms it from sharp to mellow, which is exactly what you want.

How to prepare onion for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées, by age

6 monthsCook onion until very soft and sweet, then blend it into a smooth puree or sauce.

9 monthsMince soft-cooked onion into mashes, lentils, and soft finger foods.

12 months+Use cooked onion as a flavor base across your family meals.

Is onion safe? Choking & prep

Always cook onion until it is soft and sweet before serving. Raw onion is harsh in flavor and, because it is crunchy, it is a choking risk for babies, so it is not suitable uncooked. Onion makes a great flavor base blended into purees, soups, and sauces. It can cause gas in some babies, so introduce it gradually and watch how your baby responds. There is no need to add salt.

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Nutrition

Onion offers prebiotic fiber, a little vitamin C, and a lot of flavor for very little effort. It makes iron-rich and vegetable-heavy dishes more appealing. Cook a batch of soft onion and stir it into whatever your baby is eating that week.

Goes well with

Carrot · Lentils · Chicken

Storage & freezing

Refrigerate cooked onion for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat onion?

Around 6 months, cooked until very soft and blended or minced into food.

Can babies have raw onion?

No, raw onion is harsh and crunchy, which makes it a choking risk. Always cook it soft first.

Does onion cause gas in babies?

It can in some babies. Introduce it gradually and see how your baby responds.

How do I serve onion to a baby?

Cook it down until sweet and soft, then blend or mince it into purees, soups, and sauces.

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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