Leek

Vegetable

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

two leeks before being prepared for babies starting solid food

When can babies have leeks?

Leeks may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Leeks are a member of the allium family, which means they are related to onions, garlic, chives, and ramps. Leeks are an ancient food, and evidence shows they were regularly eaten across the ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian empires. They continue to play a significant role in dishes across Asia and Europe. Like other members of the allium family, leeks are excellent at building flavor in a dish, as in soups like Scottish cock-a-leekie or French potage parmentier, but because they are milder than some of their onion relatives, leeks can also be cooked and served more or less on their own, as in the Turkish dish zeytinyağlı pırasa.

How do you serve leeks 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 +:

Mix finely chopped leeks that have been cooked until soft into finger foods like egg strips or large, soft meatballs. You can also cook finely chopped leeks and mix into pasta or a grain dish for babies to scoop with their hands. Alternatively, offer leek purees and thick blended soups made from leeks on a pre-loaded spoon or for baby to scoop with their hands.

9 months old +:

Offer thin slices or chopped pieces of leek that have been cooked until soft, either on their own for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp or mixed into a shared meal. Alternatively, you can continue to add finely chopped cooked leeks into finger foods like egg strips or large, soft meatballs or into scoopable foods like pasta or warm porridge.

18 months old +:

Soup time! At this age, toddlers may be interested in learning how to eat soup (and may be less likely to throw it, too). Explore thick, pureed soup recipes that feature leeks and continue to incorporate leeks into your cooking as desired.

Videos

Tifa, 8 months, eats an egg strip made with finely chopped leeks.

Cooper, 11 months, tastes sautéed leeks for the first time.

Callie, 17 months, eats potato leek soup.

Are leeks a choking hazard for babies?

No. Cooked leek 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 leeks 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.

Are leeks a common allergen?

No. Allergies to leeks are rare, though there is some evidence that allergies to plants in the onion family are increasing. Of note, some allergens in foods in this family are sensitive to heat, meaning that well-cooked leeks might be well-tolerated in an individual who is sensitive to raw leeks. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen fruit syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to grass pollen or mugwort pollen may also be sensitive to leeks. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

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

Are leeks healthy for babies?

Yes. Leeks offer fiber and water, in addition to micronutrients like folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. They also have plant compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as other compounds that give leeks their distinctive scent and offer antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties to support baby’s overall health. Together, these nutrients support baby’s developing gut microbiome, hydration, brain development, electrolyte balance, vision, iron absorption, immune function, and blood clotting.

★ Tip: When preparing leeks, make sure to give them a thorough cleaning (such as by rinsing under running water or swishing the vegetable in a tub of cool water) as they tend to trap a lot of dirt between the leaves.