Rosemary

Rosemary may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Avoid rosemary essential oils, extracts, teas, and powders for baby, as research on their safety is limited and there have been reports that they have caused serious illness.^{[1] [2]}

Rosemary originated in the lands around the Mediterranean Sea and still grows wild in dry, hilly areas throughout the region. With its peppery taste and strong evergreen aroma, rosemary has long been prized for its ability to flavor sweet and savory dishes alike.

No. Rosemary presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve rosemary in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

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

No. Allergies to rosemary are not common, but cases have been reported.^[3] If a child is sensitive to plants of the Lamiaceae family such as mint, oregano, basil, lavender, sage, thyme, or marjoram, take care when introducing rosemary, as these plants are closely related.^[4]

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes, rosemary is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking.^[5] Rosemary essential oils, extracts, teas, and powders should be avoided for baby, as research on their safety is limited and there have been reports of serious illness.^{[2] [1]}

Yes. Rosemary offers small amounts of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Rosemary also contains a number of plant compounds like rosmarinic and carnosinic acids, in addition to other polyphenols and terpenes, which may offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.^{[6] [7]}

¡Ninguno! Sirve los alimentos sólidos directamente en la bandeja, plato o tazón del/a bebé y luego deja que el/la bebé explore con las manos. Si lo deseas, tenga una cuchara o un tenedor disponibles para ayudarlo/a a familiarizarse con los utensilios, pero no se espera que adquiera las habilidades para usarlos hasta que sea un poco mayor.

Al comienzo, ofrece una pequeña cantidad y confía en que tu bebé sabe cómo mostrar interés si quiere más haciendo ruidos, gestos, o gritando o extendiendo la mano. Ten en cuenta que la mayoría de los bebés entre 6 y 9 meses de edad no consumen muchos alimentos sólidos al principio. Para los bebés de entre 10 y 12 meses de edad, enfócate en ofrecer el equivalente a una comida equilibrada para adultos, pero con porciones más pequeñas. Pon atención a las señales que te da el/la niño/a: cuando el/la bebé te muestre que desea “más”, ofrécele más comida. Cuando el/la bebé muestre señales de “ya terminé”, para de ofrecerle comida.