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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.