Celeriac can be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solid foods, which is typically around 6 months of age. This root vegetable becomes beautifully soft when cooked, making it suitable for babies who are just learning to self-feed. Always ensure celeriac is cooked until very tender before offering it to your baby.
Celeriac is a good source of vitamin K, which supports healthy blood clotting and bone development in growing babies. This root vegetable also provides vitamin C to support iron absorption and immune function, as well as dietary fibre to aid digestion. Its mild, slightly sweet flavour makes it an accessible vegetable for babies exploring new tastes.
Celeriac presents a low choking risk when prepared properly because it becomes very soft and easy to mash when cooked thoroughly. Its tender texture allows babies to gum and break down the pieces safely, even before they have many teeth.
Celeriac is not a common allergen and is considered safe for most babies to try. However, as with any new food, it's sensible to introduce celeriac on its own and watch your baby for any signs of an adverse reaction over the following few days.
Detailed prep guidance tailored to each stage.
Steam or roast peeled celeriac until it is very soft and can be easily mashed between your fingers. Cut the cooked celeriac into finger-length strips about the size of an adult finger, or offer large wedges that your baby can hold in their palm with a bit sticking out to gum. You might serve it plain to let baby taste the mild, slightly sweet flavour, or toss lightly in olive oil after cooking for added nutrition and grip.
Continue to cook celeriac until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces such as bite-sized cubes, thick coins, or shorter strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers to ensure they are safe for this age. Try mashing cooked celeriac and mixing it into other foods, or serve it as part of a mixed vegetable medley to encourage self-feeding.
Offer cooked celeriac in pieces that match your toddler's chewing ability, which may include small cubes, thin slices, or even mashed into family meals like soups and stews. While your toddler's chewing skills are improving, celeriac should still be cooked until soft to prevent any risk. This is a great age to introduce celeriac in dishes such as mash, gratins, or roasted alongside other root vegetables for variety.
