Allergen note
Capers are the pickled flower buds of the caper bush and are not a common allergen; reactions are rare. Some jarred capers contain sulfites, so check the label if your child is sensitive, and offer just a few the first time.
How to serve
Capers are very salty, so skip them before 12 months. After that, stir 3 or 4 rinsed, finely chopped capers into a family dish such as tomato pasta sauce, egg salad or baked salmon, and keep them an occasional flavoring rather than a regular side.
Preparation
Choose small capers packed in brine or vinegar, then drain and rinse them well under cold water; soak salt-packed capers for 15 to 30 minutes, changing the water once. Chop them finely, add them near the end of cooking, and add no extra salt to that dish.
Texture and choking risk
Whole capers are small, firm and round, so they can slip into the airway before a toddler chews them. Chop them finely or mash them into the sauce instead of serving them whole, and keep your child seated and supervised while eating.
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries capers, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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