Allergen note
Celery is on the EU list of major allergens and can cause reactions ranging from an itchy mouth to, rarely, anaphylaxis, especially in people with birch or mugwort pollen allergy. When you introduce it at 12 months or later, offer a small amount on its own and watch closely.
How to serve
Celery is suggested here from 12 months because its stringy fibers are hard for younger babies to chew. Start by stirring finely chopped, well-cooked celery into soups, sauces or stews; save raw celery sticks for older children who chew well.
Preparation
Wash the stalks, peel off the tough outer strings with a vegetable peeler, and slice thinly. Simmer or steam until very tender, then chop finely or blend into soups, sauces or purées without added salt.
Texture and choking risk
Raw celery is crunchy and stringy, and its fibers can be hard to chew and swallow, so it is a known choking hazard for young children. Serve it well cooked and finely chopped, avoid raw sticks before age 4, and always supervise meals.
Sources: cdc.gov · cdc.gov · healthychildren.org · healthychildren.org · nhs.uk · nhs.uk
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 celery, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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