Allergen note
Onion is not a common allergen, and reactions are rare. In this app it is listed from 12 months; start with a small amount of well-cooked onion stirred into a familiar dish and watch for rash, itching or tummy upset.
How to serve
From 12 months, soft sautéed or roasted onion adds natural sweetness to lentils, sauces, omelets and stews. Toddlers can pick up soft roasted onion petals; if you use raw onion, mince it finely and keep portions small.
Preparation
Peel off the papery skin and dry outer layer, then sauté gently in a little oil for about 10–15 minutes, or roast or simmer, until the onion is translucent and very soft. Skip added salt and stock cubes, and avoid fried onion rings.
Texture and choking risk
Raw or firm onion layers are slippery and tough to chew, and crispy fried onions can be hard. Cook onion until it squashes easily, chop it finely or serve soft single layers in strips, and always supervise meals.
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 onions, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
More Vegetables
🥬 Mizuna
Mizuna is a mild Japanese leafy green that is not a common allergen. It belongs to the mustard and cabbage…
🥬 Mushrooms
Mushrooms are not a common allergen, and reactions are rare. myBabyNUTRI lists them from 12 months: offer a…
🥬 Okra
Okra is not a common allergen, and reactions are rare. In this app it is listed from 12 months; the first…
🥬 Parsnip
Parsnip is not a common allergen. It is related to carrot and celery, so rarely a child who reacts to those…
🥬 Peas
Peas are not a top allergen, but they are legumes and pea allergy does occur, sometimes in children who…
🥬 Plantain
Plantain is not a common allergen. It belongs to the banana family, so a child with a banana allergy may also…