HeySolids
Choking risk
Raw lettuce is a moderate choking risk for babies - a thin, floppy leaf can flatten out and cling to the roof of the mouth or the back of the throat, where it's hard to move.
Shred leaves into fine ribbons rather than serving them whole, and start with the softer varieties. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.
Allergens
Lettuce is not a common food allergen, so a true food allergy to it is rare.[2]
Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
If baby refuses
Plain lettuce is mostly texture, and some toddlers find a mouthful of ribbons odd at first. A little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon soften both the leaf and the flavor, and shredded lettuce tucked into a taco, wrap, or sandwich often goes down easier than a bowl of salad. Keep a small portion appearing on the plate - familiarity does the rest.
Food safety
Lettuce is eaten raw, so washing matters: rinse leaves well under running water just before serving, even pre-washed bagged ones you choose to re-rinse. Leafy greens are also a recurring source of E. coli and other outbreaks in the US - check recall notices if one is in the news, and skip any lettuce that's wilted, slimy, or past its date.[3][4]
How to serve
6+ months old
Wilt or steam lettuce until soft, blend or chop it finely, and stir it through purée or mash. Skip raw lettuce at this age. Whole leaves fold into a wad, and the firm rib can break into hard pieces.
12+ months old
Fine ribbons of soft lettuce
Start with the soft varieties - butter, Bibb, or the tender inner leaves of romaine - washed well and sliced into fine ribbons. A toss with a little olive oil softens the shreds and helps them go down. Offer a small pile alongside familiar food, or tuck shreds into a soft taco or sandwich. Skip whole leaves and the thick crunchy ribs for now.
2+ years old
Small torn pieces, crisper varieties as chewing matures
Bite-sized torn pieces, about 1 inch
As chewing gets stronger, move from ribbons to small torn pieces and bring in crisper lettuces like romaine and iceberg. Keep chopping the thick center ribs small - they're the crunchiest part - and keep washing leaves just before serving.
This is a good age to build the salad habit: a small bowl with a dressing your toddler likes, served with dinner rather than instead of it.