Scallion (Green Onion)

No. Scallions 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 scallions in an age-appropriate way. 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.

No. Allergic reactions to scallions are rare, but possible allergies to other members of the onion family have been reported. People who are sensitive to garlic or onions may also be sensitive to scallions as they are members of the same family of plants, the lily family. Additionally, individuals who are sensitive to mugwort and birch pollen and/or foods in the Apiaceae family (such as carrot, fennel, and celery) may be sensitive to scallions, something called mugwort-celery-spice syndrome. While information on Oral Allergy Syndrome and scallions is limited, individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome), and in particular, those with sensitivities to grass pollen or mugwort pollen (a weed), may also be sensitive to other vegetables within the lily family. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking scallions may help minimize the reaction.

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

Yes. Scallions contain fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K, as well as trace amounts of calcium, copper, and iron. It also contains an amazing plant compound called kaempferol, which may have anti-cancer properties, amongst many other beneficial phytonutrients such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and more.

End the meal and follow up with a breast or bottle feed. Never pressure a baby or child to eat; it will only worsen food refusal in the long run. Babies refuse food for different reasons, such as teething, illness, sleepiness, or lack of energy or interest in learning a new skill. For information on why baby may refuse to eat, see our guide, Handling Food Refusal.

When first getting started, offer a small amount and trust that baby knows how to show interest in wanting more by grunting, pointing, or reaching out. Keep in mind that most babies between 6 and 9 months of age do not consume much solid food at first. For babies between 10 and 12 months of age, work toward what a balanced adult meal would look like, just with smaller portions than what you might have. Follow the child’s lead: when baby indicates “more”, offer more food. When baby shows signs that they are finished, stop offering food.