Baby-led weaning · age-specific guide
Onion cooked for 12–24 months
Cooked onion may be offered as soon as your baby is ready to start solid foods, which is typically around 6 months of age. When cooked until very soft, onions become easy for babies to gum and digest, making them a gentle introduction to the allium family. Always ensure onions are thoroughly cooked to a soft, mashable texture before offering them to your baby.
How to serve at 12–24 months
Offer soft cooked onion as part of family meals in whatever form suits the dish, whether that's diced in pasta sauce, layered in a frittata, or caramelised as a topping. Adjust the size based on your toddler's chewing ability, keeping pieces soft and manageable. At this age, most toddlers can handle onion cooked to the same softness you'd enjoy yourself.
Nutrition highlights
Cooked onions contain vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps with iron absorption from other foods in the meal. They also provide small amounts of fibre to support healthy digestion, plus antioxidants called flavonoids that contribute to overall health. Onions add flavour to meals without adding salt, helping babies develop a taste for diverse, wholesome foods.
Lower-risk serving reminders
Cooked onion has a low choking risk when prepared properly because it becomes very soft and breaks down easily when gummed or chewed. The layers naturally separate into manageable pieces that are easy for babies to mash against the roof of their mouth.
Allergen introduction checklist
Onion is not a common food allergen and is generally well tolerated by babies. Whilst allergic reactions to onion are rare, some babies may experience digestive discomfort or mild skin irritation, particularly if they have sensitive skin or reflux.
Common questions
Can cooked onion upset my baby's tummy?
Cooked onion is generally gentle on babies' tummies, but some babies with reflux or very sensitive digestion may experience mild discomfort. Introduce it in small amounts and watch for any signs of digestive upset.
Do I need to remove the onion skin before cooking?
Yes, always peel away the papery outer skin and any tough outer layers before cooking onion for your baby. Only the soft, tender inner layers should be served.
Can I serve raw onion to my baby?
No, raw onion is too firm and sharp-tasting for babies and poses a choking risk. Always cook onion until very soft before offering it to babies and toddlers.
General feeding checklist
- Seat baby upright and stable for all meals.
- Model slow chewing and allow baby to control pace.
- Stop and reset if baby is upset, tired, or over-stuffed.
Readiness signs to check
- Baby can sit upright with minimal support during meals.
- Hands and mouth coordinate for bringing food to the mouth.
- Tongue-thrust reflex is reduced, so food is not immediately pushed out.
- Interest in self-feeding and opening mouth for food cues is visible.
Pause and seek advice if
- Coughing is persistent or distress does not settle quickly during meals.
- You notice repeated vomiting, rash, swelling, wheeze, or breathing changes after a food.
- Baby struggles with swallowing progression over multiple meals despite texture adjustments.
- There is a known medical condition affecting feeding, growth, or airway safety.
Other ages: 6–8 months · 9–11 months