Celery may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Raw celery’s firm texture poses a choking risk, so take care when introducing this vegetable to babies.

Raw celery is a common choking hazard, so keep reading to learn more about safely introducing it to babies.

Celery’s wild ancestors originated in the fertile lands around the Mediterranean Sea, and humans have cultivated celery for thousands of years. This has led to a variety of cultivars, including celeriac (a variety specifically grown for its swollen, edible stem), leaf celery (common throughout Asia), Pascal celery (the kind that is common throughout markets and stores in North America), and many others. Celery enjoyed quite the fad in the 19th century United States, leading to an explosion of celery-based products. While celery soda is no longer the hot new thing, celery is still commonly pressed into juice, as well as cooked into diverse dishes, from gumbos, soups, to stews like khoreshte karafs.

Yes. Celery offers lots of vitamin K for healthy blood, some folate for baby’s development and growth, and plenty of carotenoids, many of which convert to vitamin A for skin, eye, and immune health. Plus, it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit the gut and immune system.

Celery stalks and leaves contain natural compounds called furanocoumarins, which are perfectly safe as part of a regular varied diet, but may be harmful when consumed in great excess.  In moderation, these compounds may even benefit certain conditions thanks to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties.  

Yes. Raw celery’s firm texture carries an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, slice the stalks crosswise into thin half-moons and cook until soft. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Allergies to celery are uncommon, but are reported to be increasing in prevalence, with reactions ranging from mild to severe.  Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those who are allergic to birch and mugwort pollen and/or are sensitive to other foods within the Apiaceae family, such as carrot and fennel, may also be sensitive to celery.    Other spices that cross-react with celery include coriander, caraway seed, celery, chervil, cumin, dill, aniseed and parsley. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking celery can help minimize the reaction, but some individuals may still be sensitive to cooked celery.      Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis with celery has been reported when individuals consumed celery in the 4 hours before exercise.   

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

Yes. You may have heard that celery and other vegetables (like arugula, beets, carrots, lettuce, spinach, and squash to name a few) contain nitrates, naturally-occurring compounds which, if consumed in large amounts, may negatively affect oxygen levels in the blood.  Babies younger than 3 months of age and/or those with health concerns may be more susceptible to the effects of nitrates.  Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Food Safety Authority view nitrates in vegetables as generally not a concern for most healthy children and that the benefits of eating these vegetables as part of a varied diet typically outweigh the risks of excess nitrate exposure.   

No. Juice of any kind should not be given to babies under 12 months of age, unless directed to do so by a health provider in very specific circumstances. While celery juice is regarded as a popular health drink, even after 12 months of age, consider limiting or avoiding celery juice as it can be excessively high in nitrates. Small amounts of juice (less than 4 ounces, ideally diluted with water), may be offered on occasion but is not necessary.  While celery juice is not sweet like fruit juices, offering celery in its whole form is still more nutritious.

Yes. Celery contains some fiber and water, which help to support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines for healthy digestion and bowel movements. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.