Celery

Vegetable

Last updated July 5, 2026. The Tummi Food Team maintains this Can I Feed This safety guide guide. Supporting links appear in Sources when available.

Written By

Tummi Food Team

Food prep and safety guidance

Clinically reviewed by Andria Procopio and Arefa Mohamed

Direct answer

Can babies eat Celery?

Yes, celery can be introduced around 6 months old, but serve it cooked and in an age-appropriate, chopped form to prevent choking.

6+months Serve Age: Most babies start solids around 6 months once they show readiness signs. Match the texture and serving size to your baby's skills.
How to serve
No Allergens: Celery is not flagged as one of the major allergens tracked in this database. Still watch your baby closely when serving any new food.
Details
12345 3 Choking Risk: Some choking risk. Use the prep section to change the size, shape, or texture before serving.
Risk notes

This guide is for everyday food prep questions. Ask your pediatrician about medical concerns, feeding delays, allergy plans, or serious reactions.

How Do You Serve Celery?

How to serve Celery to a 8-month-old baby

1
Slice a celery stalk crosswise into thin half‑moon slices, then simmer or steam until very soft so pieces mash easily between your fingers; mix into scoopable foods like stews, warm cereal, or yogurt so your baby can manage them.
2
Offer a whole chilled or lightly frozen raw stalk as a teether and hold it for your baby — supervise closely to reduce choking risk.
3
Remove tough strings and fibrous outer ribs by peeling or trimming, then finely chop, mash, or puree cooked celery if your baby is still learning to swallow lumps.
4
Always sit your baby upright and offer small spoonfuls, check temperature and texture before serving, and stop feeding if coughing or gagging occurs; seek help immediately if choking happens.

How to serve Celery to babies 9 months and older

1
Wash and trim the celery, then cut crosswise into thin half‑moons about ¼ inch thick so pieces are small and easy to pick up.
2
Steam or simmer the slices until very tender (about 6–8 minutes), then cool until lukewarm; test with a fork to make sure pieces mash easily.
3
Serve cooled pieces as finger foods or mix into mashed potatoes, yogurt, or other soft, scoopable meals so the celery is easy to eat.
4
If offering a raw stalk to chew, stay nearby and hold the base; never put fingers inside the baby’s mouth and remove any long strings or large pieces that could peel off.

How to serve Celery to babies 12 months and older

1
Slice the celery crosswise into very thin half‑moon slivers so pieces are short and easy to bite; increase thickness gradually as chewing improves.
2
Avoid long or large chunks that are harder to chew or could pose a choking hazard.
3
Offer a small amount of a soft dip (like hummus or yogurt) to help pieces slide and be easier to chew.
4
Always supervise closely while the child eats and model taking small bites and chewing thoroughly.

How to serve Celery: Varies

1
Only offer raw celery sticks after the child consistently bites, chews, and swallows solid foods without gagging; start with softer or cooked celery to build chewing skills.
2
Slice lengthwise into thin, flat batons and remove tough strings; for younger children, cut into short pieces about 2.5–4 cm (1–1.5 in) long to reduce choke risk.
3
Always have the child seated, focused, and within arm’s reach—closely supervise while demonstrating slow, small bites and proper chewing.
4
Show each step (pick up, bite, chew, swallow) before offering more, avoid talking or running during eating, and offer finely chopped or cooked celery if the child struggles.

Is Celery a Common Allergen?

Dairy

Egg

Fish

Gluten

Tree Nut

Peanut

Sesame

Shellfish

Soy

Although celery is a common vegetable, it can cause true allergic reactions in some people—most often oral allergy syndrome (itching or swelling around the mouth) but occasionally more severe reactions including anaphylaxis. Cross‑reactivity with birch and mugwort pollens is common, so children with hayfever may react to celery. Celery (including celeriac) is a listed allergen in the UK/EU and may appear in processed foods, so always read labels and avoid feeding celery to a child with a known allergy. If you suspect an allergic reaction, seek medical advice promptly and follow any emergency plan (including epinephrine) prescribed by your clinician.

Is Celery a Choking Hazard?

Moderate Choking Risk

Hard

Fibrous / Stringy

Raw celery is a high choking risk for babies because its firm, fibrous texture and long pieces can be hard to chew and may block the airway. Younger infants have limited oral-motor skills to break down or move these pieces, so the risk lessens as chewing ability develops. Stay within arm’s reach during meals and be ready to recognize and respond to choking.

Have More Questions?

Yes. While celery can be introduced around 6 months, always prepare it in a safe, age-appropriate way to minimize choking risk, such as cooking or pureeing.

It depends. Celery is healthy and provides vitamin K, folate, and carotenoids, but ensure it's prepared properly for your baby's age and chewing ability.

No. Celery allergies are uncommon, but some infants with pollen allergies or oral allergy syndrome may react; always introduce new foods cautiously.

Yes. Raw celery is a choking hazard for babies due to its firmness. Always cook or puree it for safe feeding in infancy.

It’s safe to serve cooked celery from 6 months, but avoid giving raw sticks until your toddler is older and can chew thoroughly.

Save Celery to your food log

Track foods, reactions, and prep notes in Tummi when you want to keep your baby's feeding history in one place.

Try For Free

Sources

Celery and Celeriac: A Critical View on Present and Future Breeding doi.org
Oral allergy syndrome doi.org
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology - Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) aaaai.org
Oral Allergy Syndrome: An Update for Stomatologists doi.org
Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis in the celery-mugwort-birch-spice syndrome doi.org
Celery-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis doi.org
Phytophotodermatitis: the other 'lime' disease doi.org
Nitrate in Leafy Green Vegetables and Estimated Intake doi.org
Infant methemoglobinemia: the role of dietary nitrate in food and water doi.org
EFSA Explains: Nitrites and Nitrates Added in Food efsa.europa.eu
American Academy of Pediatrics - Where We Stand: Fruit Juice healthychildren.org

What Other Vegetable Can Babies Eat?

Source-Linked Guidance

See the evidence behind the guide.

Food guides show direct links to public-health guidance and research when supporting references are available. Source inclusion does not imply endorsement.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Developmental milestones, nutrition guidelines, and allergen introduction timelines.

American Academy of Pediatrics

Evidence-based feeding recommendations from the leading pediatric authority.

National Institutes of Health

Peer-reviewed research on infant nutrition, allergies, and food safety.