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Learn moreRamps
Vegetable
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have ramps?
Ramps may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Ramps are mainly foraged in the upland woods of Canada, Appalachia, and the northern regions of the United States. To ensure that ramps continue to thrive, responsible harvesters cut only the leaves, letting the bulb stay intact in the ground to grow again another year. Ramps are an allium—a plant family that includes onions, leeks, shallots, and garlic. In fact, to some, they are “wild leeks” or “wild garlic” instead of “ramps,” which is the Appalachian name for the plant. Ramps are an important part of Cherokee cooking, valued both for their medicinal properties and flavor.
How do you serve ramps 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 ramps that have been cooked until soft into finger foods like egg strips or large, soft meatballs. You can also mix finely chopped ramps into softened butter to make a brightly flavored ramp butter for spreading on toast strips, mixing into pasta, and much more. Because ramp butter makes use of raw ramps, the onion-y flavor can be stronger, so if offering a dish with ramp butter to baby, consider starting with a small amount to let them get used to the flavor.
9 months old +:
Continue using finely chopped ramps cooked into finger foods like egg strips, sauces, or shared meals, or using ramp butter to flavor baby’s food. At this age, you can also offer cooked chopped pieces of ramp on their own for baby to pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You’ll likely see some spitting when serving the pieces on their own, but it’s a valuable opportunity for baby to experience the flavor and texture.
18 months old +:
Continue serving chopped or finely chopped ramps as desired, either cooked into meals or raw. As the child’s molars come in, their chewing skills become more coordinated, and you gain confidence in their ability to chew and move the food backwards to swallow as well as chew and spit out food, you may start to serve larger pieces of cooked ramp for the child to practice biting and tearing.
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Are ramps a choking hazard for babies?
No. Cooked ramps present 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 ramps 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 ramps a common allergen?
No. Allergies to ramps are rare, though there is some evidence that allergies to plants in the onion family are increasing. Of note, some allergenic proteins in foods in this family are sensitive to heat, meaning that well-cooked ramps might be well-tolerated in an individual who is sensitive to raw ramps. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen fruit syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to grass pollen or mugwort pollen (a weed) may also be sensitive to ramps. 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 ramps healthy for babies?
Yes. While nutrition information on ramps is limited, they likely have similar nutrition to other plants in the allium family, like leeks and scallions. Plants in the same family offer fiber and water, in addition to micronutrients like folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain compounds that give allium plants 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.
How many meals per day should baby eat?
It’s flexible. Generally speaking, bring baby to the table at least once per day between 6 and 7 months of age, twice per day between 8 and 9 months of age, and 3 times per day starting at around 10 months of age. See our sample feeding schedules for details.
What utensils do I need to get started?
None! Put solid food directly on baby’s tray, plate, or bowl, then let baby explore with their hands. If you like, keep a baby spoon or fork nearby to help familiarize the child with utensils, but the skills to use them are not expected until early toddlerhood.
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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