Allergen note
Lime is not a common allergen. Its acidic juice can leave a red rash around the mouth, and lime juice left on skin in sunlight can cause blistering burns (phytophotodermatitis), so wipe your baby's face and hands after meals.
How to serve
From around 6 months, use lime as a flavoring: squeeze a few drops over mashed avocado, beans, fish or plain yogurt. From 12 months, a little lime brightens rice, tacos or soups. Don't offer lime juice as a drink or as sweetened limeade.
Preparation
Wash the lime, roll it on the counter, then cut it and squeeze the juice through a small strainer to catch the seeds. Add it to food just before serving; no cooking is needed. Finely grated zest from a washed lime can flavor baked goods for toddlers.
Texture and choking risk
Juice mixed into food is unlikely to cause choking, but lime seeds and chewy pieces of peel are hazards. Strain out every seed, don't leave a lime wedge for your child to chew, since toddlers can bite off chunks of peel, and always supervise meals with your child seated.
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.
Recipes with lime
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries lime, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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