Bay Leaf

Bay leaf may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Whole leaves can be used to flavor a meal, but make sure to remove them before serving to reduce choking risk.

Bay leaves grow on various species of laurel plants, the most commonly consumed of which first grew in the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. The whole leaf (fresh or dried) lends a mild, herbal flavor to broths, soups, and stews, but even after a long time stewing in liquid, bay leaves stay firm and leathery and need to be removed from a dish before serving. Alternatively, bay leaves can be ground into a powder and used to flavor seafood, stews, and even desserts.

• Store dried bay leaves in the freezer in an airtight container to extend their flavor and shelf-life.

Yes. Whole bay leaves are firm, sharp, and challenging to chew if accidentally left in a dish, which are qualities that pose an increased risk of choking or damage to the esophagus or pharynx.^[1] To reduce the risk, prepare and serve bay leaves in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Allergies to bay leaf are not common, but cases of contact rashes after skin exposure and respiratory symptoms from inhalation of the dried herb have been reported.^{[2] [3]} Note that certain dried herb blends that feature bay leaf may also contain common food allergens, so make sure to read labels thoroughly if your child has food allergies.

Yes. Bay leaf contains a number of plant compounds such as phenols and flavonoids, which may offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.^{[4] [5]}

After the first birthday, you can offer bay leaf tea in a cup–just make sure it is no longer hot before serving. Do not give tea or beverages besides breast milk, formula, or small amounts of water to babies under 12 months of age.

Bay leaves that are used for cooking are not toxic, so try not to worry if baby or you accidentally consume a bite of a whole leaf that was left in a dish. That said, whole fresh or dried bay leaves do not break down and soften, even after stewing in liquid for a long time, so they do pose an increased choking risk. If you’re sharing a dish that was cooked with bay leaves, make sure to carefully check baby’s portion and remove any remaining leaves before serving.