Cilantro (Coriander) for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Cilantro (Coriander)?

Most babies can start Cilantro (Coriander) from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Cilantro is low choking risk when finely chopped or blended into soft foods, but loose leafy pieces can stick to the tongue or palate and trigger gagging. For younger babies, mix small amounts into mashed foods, sauces, soups, or yogurt-based dips. Avoid serving large clumps of raw leaves on their own.

Q: Is Cilantro (Coriander) a choking hazard?

Cilantro (Coriander) is rated Low choking risk. Cilantro is low choking risk when finely chopped or blended into soft foods, but loose leafy pieces can stick to the tongue or palate and trigger gagging. For younger babies, mix small amounts into mashed foods, sauces, soups, or yogurt-based dips. Avoid serving large clumps of raw leaves on their own.

Q: Is Cilantro (Coriander) a common allergen?

Offer a small amount mixed into a familiar food the first time and watch for any reaction. Cilantro is not a common allergen, but it may cause oral itching or rash in some children, especially those with pollen-related oral allergy syndrome or sensitivities to related plants such as celery, carrot, parsley, fennel, or mugwort pollen.

About Cilantro (Coriander)

Cilantro, also called coriander leaves, is a tender green herb used to add fresh flavor to many foods. Babies usually eat it in small amounts mixed into other dishes rather than on its own, but it can be a nice way to introduce new tastes early and help build acceptance of herbs and family foods. Even though cilantro is not a major source of calories, it does provide useful nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, potassium, and a small amount of iron. Herbs like cilantro can add flavor without salt or sugar, making them a simple way to make mashed vegetables, beans, grains, soups, and sauces more interesting for babies and toddlers. Cilantro is not a common allergen, but reactions are possible. Some children may develop itching in the mouth, a contact rash, or symptoms of oral allergy syndrome, especially if they are sensitive to certain pollens or related plants in the carrot and celery family. Wash well before serving, and for young babies finely chop or blend it so leafy pieces do not clump in the mouth. Most babies can start cilantro from 6 months old when it is blended into sauces or finely chopped into soft foods. As chewing skills improve, you can offer slightly larger soft mixed textures and use cilantro more freely in family meals. Avoid serving large loose leafy handfuls to young babies, since the leaves can stick to the tongue and trigger gagging.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Finely chopped or blended into soft foods

Blend cilantro into sauces, soups, or dips, or finely chop and mix into mashed vegetables, beans, or grains. Start with a small amount so the flavor is not overwhelming and the texture stays easy to manage.

9+ months

Small finely chopped pieces mixed into family foods

As your baby handles more texture, stir finely chopped cilantro into soft scrambled eggs, rice, lentils, avocado, or tender cooked vegetables. Keep the leaves moist and well distributed rather than serving them in clumps.

12+ months

Used normally in chopped family meals

Use cilantro as a regular herb in soups, stews, rice dishes, beans, dips, and other family foods. Continue to supervise and avoid large handfuls of raw leaves served alone.

Pairs well with

AvocadoBlack beans or lentilsRiceMashed sweet potatoTomato-based saucesPlain full-fat yogurtScrambled eggs

A note on ages

These age ranges are general guidelines. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child's readiness signs and consult your pediatrician.

Safety & allergens

Choking riskLow

Cilantro is low choking risk when finely chopped or blended into soft foods, but loose leafy pieces can stick to the tongue or palate and trigger gagging. For younger babies, mix small amounts into mashed foods, sauces, soups, or yogurt-based dips. Avoid serving large clumps of raw leaves on their own.

What to watch for

Itching or tingling in the mouthRash or hivesRedness or contact rash around the mouthSwelling of lips, face, or tongueVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

Wash cilantro thoroughly to remove dirt and grit

Finely chop or blend for young babies

Mix into soft moist foods so leaves do not clump

Avoid large loose leafy pieces for early eaters

Ensure baby is sitting upright

Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store cilantro in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Wrap loosely in a dry paper towel or place stems in a jar with a little water and cover loosely, then use as fresh as possible.

ⓘ

Freeze chopped cilantro or blend it with a little water or olive oil and freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or stir directly into cooked foods.

Nutrition

Provides vitamin A for eye and immune health
Contains vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption
Offers folate for growth and cell development
Adds flavor without added salt or sugar

Usually eaten in small amounts, so nutrient intake is modest per serving
Not a significant source of calories, protein, or fat
Loose leaves can trigger gagging if not chopped well for young babies

Key nutrients

Vitamin A

Supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function

Vitamin C

Supports immune health and helps the body absorb iron

Folate

Supports growth and healthy cell development

Nutrition facts

Calories	23kcal
Protein	2.1g
Carbs	3.7g
Fat	0.5g
Fiber	2.8g
Sugar	0.9g
Iron	1.8mg
Calcium	67.0mg
Potassium	521mg
Vitamin C	27mg
Vitamin A	337.0µg
Folate	62µg
Zinc	0.50mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Cilantro (Coriander)?

Most babies can start Cilantro (Coriander) from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Cilantro is low choking risk when finely chopped or blended into soft foods, but loose leafy pieces can stick to the tongue or palate and trigger gagging. For younger babies, mix small amounts into mashed foods, sauces, soups, or yogurt-based dips. Avoid serving large clumps of raw leaves on their own.

Is Cilantro (Coriander) a choking hazard?

Cilantro (Coriander) is rated Low choking risk. Cilantro is low choking risk when finely chopped or blended into soft foods, but loose leafy pieces can stick to the tongue or palate and trigger gagging. For younger babies, mix small amounts into mashed foods, sauces, soups, or yogurt-based dips. Avoid serving large clumps of raw leaves on their own.

Is Cilantro (Coriander) a common allergen?

Offer a small amount mixed into a familiar food the first time and watch for any reaction. Cilantro is not a common allergen, but it may cause oral itching or rash in some children, especially those with pollen-related oral allergy syndrome or sensitivities to related plants such as celery, carrot, parsley, fennel, or mugwort pollen.