🧂 Fresh bay leaves
Allergen note
Fresh bay leaves are not a common allergen and are generally well-tolerated; always use them whole and remove before serving to prevent a choking hazard.
How to serve
For toddlers over 12 months, finely mince a single small leaf and incorporate it into a pureed soup or stew, ensuring it's fully softened and blended to avoid a choking hazard.
Preparation
Always use a single whole bay leaf during cooking and remove it before serving to avoid choking hazards; finely grind dried leaves into a powder if incorporating directly into a dish.
Texture and choking risk
Due to their stiff, sharp edges, whole bay leaves are a choking and internal injury hazard; always remove them completely before serving food to infants and toddlers.
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 fresh bay leaves, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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