HeySolids
Choking risk
Parsley is a low choking risk - a soft herb used as a flavoring, not a food baby eats on its own.
Chop the leaves fine or blend them into a sauce, since whole leaves are tough and papery for a baby, and pick the leaves off the stems - stems stay tough and bitter. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.
Allergens
Parsley is not a common food allergen, so a true allergy to it is rare.[1]
Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
If baby refuses
Parsley's fresh, grassy flavor can stand out on its own. If baby pulls a face, use less next time and stir it into a dish they already enjoy, like tomato sauce or egg.
How to serve
6+ months old
Finely chopped into food
A little chopped parsley stirred through a dish
Use parsley as a flavoring, not a food on its own. Finely chop a little fresh parsley into soft, scoopable foods like mashed vegetables, purees, and sauces.
Keep the leaf finely chopped so it does not stick to the roof of the mouth, or blend it into the dish, and start small while baby gets used to the fresh flavor.
How to cook
Fresh parsley needs no cooking - stir it in near the end so it keeps its flavor, or blend it smoothly into a sauce. Keep the tough stalks out of baby's portion, and add no salt.
12+ months old
Used across family meals
A small amount in everyday cooking
Parsley can now be used across family meals much as you would for everyone else - chopped into soups, sauces, fish, grain dishes, salads, and tabbouleh. Keep the everyday amounts small and culinary, and chop larger pieces of leaf small if baby is still managing texture.
How to cook
Chop fresh parsley into family dishes as usual, or blend it into a herby sauce. Stir it in near the end to keep its flavor, and keep baby's food salt-free.
Sources
- Food Allergies (the 9 major US allergens) - FDA
- Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome - ACAAI
- Plant food allergy in mugwort-sensitised patients (carrot/celery/spice) - PMC3354215
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit (honey, added sugar, salt) - CDC
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods - CDC
- Parsley, fresh (FDC 170416) - USDA FoodData Central