babyledweaningfoods.com
Steam or roast onion wedges or slices until completely soft and easy to squash between your fingers. Cut into finger-length strips about the width of two adult fingers, or offer large wedges that baby can hold and gum. You might serve steamed onion strips alongside soft vegetables or as part of a simple stew where they've cooked down thoroughly.
Continue to cook onion until very soft, but you can now offer smaller pieces such as rings, half-moons, or roughly chopped pieces from soups and casseroles. The pieces should still mash easily between your fingers but can be sized for practising the pincer grasp. Cooked onion mixed into dishes like lentil stew or vegetable curry works well at this stage.
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.
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.
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.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/onion-cooked