Vegetable

Celery

Celery is a crunchy, hydrating vegetable that can be a fun introduction to new textures for your baby. It's naturally low in calories but packed with important nutrients like vitamin K for healthy blood clotting¹ and vitamin C to support your baby's immune system². The mild, slightly earthy flavor makes it a versatile addition to many baby food combinations.

PPippin Feeding TeamReviewed by feeding specialists · Updated June 2026

First age6m+

CategoryVegetable

Common allergenYes

Choking riskHigh

When can babies eat Celery?

You can introduce celery around 6 months when your baby starts solids, as long as it's prepared safely to minimize choking risk. It's often introduced after sweeter vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes.

Storage tip

Store celery in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or wrapped in aluminum foil to keep it crisp for 1-2 weeks. Once cooked or pureed, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

How to serve Celery by age

6 to 9 months

For babies 6-9 months, cook celery until very soft and mash or puree it to a smooth consistency. You can mix it with other vegetables or fruits to create interesting flavor combinations. Always ensure there are no stringy fibers remaining that could pose a choking hazard.

Steam or boil celery until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes)
Remove all strings before cooking
Mash thoroughly with a fork or blend into a smooth puree
Mix with breast milk, formula, or other purees for added nutrition
Start with small amounts to check for tolerance

9 to 12 months

For babies 9-12 months, you can offer well-cooked celery in small, soft pieces. Cook until very tender, remove all strings, and cut into pieces about the size of your baby's thumb. The pieces should be soft enough to mash easily between your fingers.

Cook celery until very soft (about 20-25 minutes)
Cut into thumb-sized pieces after cooking
Ensure pieces are soft enough to mash between fingers
Serve alongside other finger foods for variety
Supervise closely during eating

12 months +

For toddlers 12 months and up, you can offer very thin strips of cooked celery with strings removed. Raw celery should still be avoided until at least 3-4 years old due to choking risk. Continue to cook until soft and cut into appropriate sizes for your child's chewing ability.

Cook celery until tender but still slightly firm
Cut into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide)
Remove all strings before serving
Pair with dips like hummus or yogurt for added nutrition
Always supervise while eating and teach chewing thoroughly

Safety & allergens

Choking risk: High

Celery presents a high choking risk due to its stringy, fibrous texture and firm shape. Always remove the tough strings by peeling the outer layer with a vegetable peeler before preparing. For babies under 12 months, cook until very soft and either puree completely or mash thoroughly to eliminate any firm pieces.

Common allergen

Introduce on its own and watch closely for any signs of a reaction.

Vitamins & minerals

Celery provides vitamin K, which is essential for proper blood clotting and bone health in growing babies¹. It also contains vitamin C that helps support immune function and enhances iron absorption from other foods². The potassium in celery contributes to healthy fluid balance and nerve function³, while the fiber can support regular digestion.

Vitamins

Vitamin AVitamin CVitamin KVitamin B9

Minerals

PotassiumCalciumMagnesiumSodium

Nutritional synergy

Pair celery with iron-rich foods like lentils or beef, as the vitamin C in celery helps your baby absorb plant-based iron more effectively².

Common questions

How do I make celery safe for my baby?

Always peel celery to remove the tough strings that can cause choking. For babies under 12 months, cook until very soft (steam or boil for 10-15 minutes) and puree or mash completely. For older babies, you can offer small, soft-cooked pieces about the size of a pea.

What if my baby doesn't like the taste of celery?

Celery has a mild but distinct flavor that some babies might need time to accept. Try mixing small amounts with sweeter vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. It can take 10-15 exposures for babies to accept new foods, so keep offering it without pressure.

Can I use celery leaves for baby food?

Yes! Celery leaves are edible and contain nutrients, but they have a stronger flavor. Start with just a small amount mixed into purees. Make sure to wash leaves thoroughly and chop them finely or blend them completely to avoid choking hazards.