Allergen note
Fennel is generally well-tolerated, but introduce it separately from other new foods to monitor for any rare, individual reactions.
How to serve
For babies 6+ months, offer 1-2 tablespoons of pureed steamed fennel; for toddlers, try 1/4 cup of finely chopped, roasted fennel as a soft finger food.
Preparation
Steam or roast fennel until very soft, then puree it to a smooth, lump-free consistency for easy digestion. Always ensure it is thoroughly cooked and served cool to avoid both choking and burn hazards.
Texture and choking risk
Always cook fennel until very soft and mash or puree it for infants; for toddlers, serve it cooked and diced into small, manageable pieces to minimize choking risk.
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, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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