Allergen note
Pickles are generally well-tolerated, but introduce them carefully due to high sodium content and rare vinegar or spice sensitivities.
How to serve
For toddlers over 12 months, finely chop a teaspoon of low-sodium pickle into small pieces to mix into meals, ensuring it's soft and manageable to prevent choking.
Preparation
Steam or boil peeled, deseeded pickles until very soft, then puree to a smooth, lump-free texture to prevent choking and reduce saltiness. Always avoid store-bought pickles due to their high sodium and spice content, which are unsafe for infants.
Texture and choking risk
Pickles are a high choking risk due to their hard, slippery texture; always finely chop or mince them and supervise closely during meals.
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 pickles, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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