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Learn moreCabbage
Vegetable
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have cabbage?
Cabbage may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Humans learned to cultivate cabbage from wild varieties growing in the fertile lands around the Mediterranean Sea. Some modern types have smooth, waxy leaves that are tightly clustered, like brussels sprouts and red cabbage. Others are crinkly and easier to peel away from the head, like the leaves of napa cabbage and savoy cabbage. There are also cabbages with dark leafy greens on sturdy stems, like bok choy, collard greens, and kale.
How do you serve cabbage to babies?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 months old +:
Offer grated or finely minced cabbage, raw or cooked, that has been mixed into a scoopable food like mashed potato or porridge to make it easier to eat. Alternatively, you can offer a rib of raw cabbage about the size of two adult fingers pressed together for baby to munch on. While baby won’t swallow much (if any) of the cabbage from the rib, the shape and texture is terrific for helping baby build eating skills. Finely chopped or shredded fermented cabbage like kimchi and sauerkraut can also be offered at this age.
9 months old +:
Serve thin shreds of raw or cooked cabbage for baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp or offer cooked cabbage as a large strip for finger food. Expect some spitting with the smaller shreds, particularly if it’s raw, as raw cabbage is a challenging texture for babies to break down in the mouth. At this age, you can also offer chopped pieces of cooked cabbage; just know that the pieces may stick to baby’s tongue or the inside of their mouth which can cause harmless gagging.
12 months old +:
Offer cooked cabbage as desired in chopped pieces, shreds, strips, or even whole leaves. For raw cabbage, continue with offering shredded or finely chopped. Continue to expect some spitting as the child learns to manage the texture of raw cabbage in their mouth.
18 months old +:
Serve cooked cabbage as you like, including cabbage rolls. As for raw cabbage, many toddlers at this age are able to manage more roughly chopped raw cabbage in most shapes and sizes, including large wedges.
How to shred raw cabbage for babies (part 1).
How to shred raw cabbage for babies (part 2).
Videos
Is cabbage a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, thick pieces of raw cabbage are firm and hard to chew, qualities that can increase choking risk. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve cabbage in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within 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.
Is cabbage a common allergen?
No. Allergies to cabbage are rare, but not unheard of. Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to other members of the cruciferous family, such as mustard greens and broccoli, may also be sensitive to cabbage.
Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to mugwort pollen, may also be sensitive to cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.
As you would when introducing any new food, start with a small amount at first and follow baby’s lead.
Is cabbage healthy for babies?
Yes. Cabbage is rich in fiber, fluid, and folate, in addition to vitamins B6, C, and K. Plus, it offers a variety of antioxidants. These work together to support baby’s gut microbiome, hydration, brain development, metabolic processes, iron absorption, immunity, blood clotting, bone health, and more. Plus, cabbage is rich in antioxidants to help support bodily repair processes. Fermented forms, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, provide probiotics to further support baby’s digestive system.
Since cabbage is rich in fiber and carbohydrates, it can cause gas and temporary digestive discomfort. Fortunately, over time, the digestive system adapts when fiber-rich foods are offered regularly and in amounts that baby individually tolerates. Overall, cabbage helps support a healthy digestive system and some gas is completely normal for all ages.
Do I need to worry about the nitrates in cabbage?
No. Offer vegetables that contain nitrates (arugula, beets, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and squash to name a few) as part of a variety of foods in the diet. Nitrates are naturally-occurring compounds which, if consumed in excess, may negatively affect oxygen levels in the blood. That said, babies who are allowed to self-feed typically do not consume excessive amounts of solid food because they need lots of practice to learn how to eat it. Nitrates in vegetables are generally not a cause for concern, and the benefits of introducing these vegetables as part of a balanced diet typically outweigh the unlikely risk of excessive consumption.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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