Lettuce

Lettuce may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. That said, chewing and swallowing lettuce can be tricky for the youngest eaters, so check out our serving suggestions by age.

Lettuce was first cultivated in the fertile lands that connect Africa, Asia, and Europe and, in fact, wild lettuce still grows in some of these regions. Wild lettuce was first harvested for medicinal purposes, as it exuded a sap with mild sleep-inducing qualities. From wild lettuce came many varieties of modern cultivated greens: butterheads (such as bibb); crispheads (such as iceberg), long-leafed (such as romaine), loose-leafed; and celtuce. Some cultures tend to eat lettuce raw, as in salads and sandwiches, while others like to lightly cook it.

Yes. Different varieties of lettuce have varying nutritional profiles, but generally, lettuce provides lots of water and important nutrients for a developing child, including vitamin A, potassium, vitamin K, and fiber. In tandem, these nutrients work to support vision, heart health, healthy blood, and a healthy digestive system.

Lettuce may be contaminated with foodborne illness-causing germs, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Wash lettuce thoroughly under cold running water (no need for soap or vinegar) before serving or cooking with it.

★Tip: To store lettuce, wrap the greens in a towel and store them in a loosely covered container in the refrigerator. This way minimizes exposure to air and moisture, both of which speed up spoiling.

No, lettuce is not a common choking hazard, though small shreds of lettuce carry a risk of aspiration (when food or fluid accidentally enters the airway but does not block it). Lettuce is also quite challenging for the youngest eaters to manage, and often causes gagging and coughing if the leaves cling to baby’s tongue or the roof of their mouth. Offer a drink in an open cup to help baby wash any pieces of food down. As always, make sure to 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 lettuce are rare, though when they do occur, they can be severe.  Individuals with lettuce allergy may be sensitive to lipid transfer proteins in other foods such as peach, cherry, carrot, grape, corn, hazelnut, peanut, and walnut. However, it is not typical for people with lettuce allergy to react to all these other foods. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to plane tree pollen, may also be sensitive to lettuce. 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 lettuce may help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.

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

Yes. Lettuce contains fiber and water, both of which support healthy digestion and regular pooping. Note that pooping patterns can vary significantly from child to child. Be sure to talk to your pediatric healthcare provider if you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function.