Allergen note
Lettuce, including romaine and mixed salad leaves, is rarely an allergen; it is listed here from 12 months mainly because thin raw leaves are hard for younger babies to chew. Salad mixes can include arugula or mizuna from the mustard family, so with a mustard allergy, ask your pediatrician first. Otherwise, start small and watch for a rash or swelling.
How to serve
From 12 months, mix finely shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce into rice, wraps, sandwiches or a yogurt dip, or tear soft butter lettuce into small pieces. Leaves can also be wilted into soups and stir-fries. Skip salty dressings; a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon is enough.
Preparation
Separate the leaves, discard wilted or slimy ones and wash them well under cold running water, since lettuce is usually eaten raw; bagged mixes labeled ready-to-eat or triple-washed can be used as they are. Skip any recalled lettuce, cut out thick ribs for younger toddlers, and shred leaves finely just before serving.
Texture and choking risk
Large raw leaves can stick to the roof of the mouth or the back of the throat and cause gagging or choking, and crunchy ribs are hard to chew. Shred lettuce finely, mix it into moist foods, and always supervise your child seated at the table.
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 lettuce, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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