🧂 Fennel seeds
Allergen note
Fennel seed allergy is uncommon, but fennel belongs to the same plant family as celery, coriander and cumin, so children allergic to celery or pollen can react. Offer a small pinch in a familiar food the first time and watch for rash, swelling or vomiting.
How to serve
From around 6 months, stir a small pinch of finely ground fennel seed into lentils, vegetable purées, meatballs or yogurt for a gentle licorice flavor. Toddlers can share family dishes seasoned with it. Skip fennel tea and colic remedies for babies unless your pediatrician recommends them.
Preparation
Toast whole seeds briefly in a dry pan for more flavor, then grind them to a fine powder in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Use only a pinch per serving, and add no salt or sugar.
Texture and choking risk
Whole fennel seeds are small and hard, and babies can cough on them or inhale them. Grind the seeds finely, or tie whole seeds in a spice bag and remove it before serving, and supervise your child 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 fennel seeds, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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