Dill for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Dill?

Most babies can start Dill from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Dill is low risk when served in small, age-appropriate amounts. Finely chop fresh dill for babies and remove any woody stems. Larger fronds or tough stems can stick in the mouth and may cause gagging or coughing, so mix dill into soft foods rather than offering loose bunches.

Q: Is Dill a choking hazard?

Dill is rated Low choking risk. Dill is low risk when served in small, age-appropriate amounts. Finely chop fresh dill for babies and remove any woody stems. Larger fronds or tough stems can stick in the mouth and may cause gagging or coughing, so mix dill into soft foods rather than offering loose bunches.

Q: Is Dill a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. Dill allergy is uncommon, but children with birch or mugwort pollen allergy may be more likely to have oral itching or tingling with fresh dill. Cooked dill may be better tolerated for some children.

About Dill

Dill is a feathery green herb with a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that is often used to season vegetables, fish, yogurt sauces, soups, and grain dishes. For babies, dill is usually offered as a seasoning rather than a main food, making it an easy way to add new flavors early in the solids journey. Even in small amounts, dill contributes helpful nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, calcium, and fiber. Herbs like dill can also help babies and toddlers get used to a wider range of tastes without relying on added sugar or salt, which supports long-term acceptance of family foods. Dill is not a common allergen, but allergic reactions can happen. Some children with pollen-related oral allergy syndrome, especially linked to birch or mugwort, may react to dill with itching or tingling in the mouth. Fresh dill fronds are low choking risk when finely chopped, but tough or woody stems should be removed. Most babies can start dill from 6 months old when it is finely chopped into soft foods, sauces, dips, or cooked dishes. As chewing skills improve, toddlers can manage larger soft pieces mixed into meals, though very large fronds may still trigger gagging or coughing if they stick in the mouth.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Finely chopped fresh dill or a small pinch of dried dill mixed into soft foods

Finely chop fresh dill and stir it into age-appropriate foods like yogurt sauces, mashed vegetables, soups, grains, or soft cooked fish. If stems are soft, they can be finely chopped too; if woody, remove them first. Dried dill can also be used in small amounts to flavor food.

12+ months

Fresh or dried dill in family foods, with larger soft pieces as tolerated

Use dill in family meals such as dips, dressings, omelets, potatoes, or fish dishes. Toddlers can handle somewhat larger soft pieces mixed into food, but very large fronds may still cause gagging or coughing if they cling to the mouth.

Pairs well with

Plain full-fat yogurtSalmonPotatoesCucumberPeasEggLentils

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

Dill is low risk when served in small, age-appropriate amounts. Finely chop fresh dill for babies and remove any woody stems. Larger fronds or tough stems can stick in the mouth and may cause gagging or coughing, so mix dill into soft foods rather than offering loose bunches.

What to watch for

Itching or tingling in the mouthBurning sensation in the mouth or lipsRash or hivesRedness or blistering where the food touched the skinVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

✓Finely chop fresh dill for babies

✓Remove woody or tough stems

✓Mix into soft foods, sauces, or cooked dishes

✓Use dried dill sparingly for flavor

✓Introduce a small amount at first

✓Ensure baby is sitting upright

✓Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store fresh dill in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped or in an airtight container, and use within 3-5 days. Wash just before using for best freshness.

ⓘ

Freezing is not ideal for texture, but chopped dill can be frozen in small portions for cooked dishes for up to 2 months. Expect some loss of texture after thawing.

Nutrition

Adds flavor without added salt or sugar
Provides vitamin C and vitamin A
Contains folate and calcium
Offers small amounts of fiber and antioxidants

Usually eaten in small amounts, so nutrient intake is modest per serving
Not a meaningful source of calories, fat, or protein
Fresh dill may trigger oral allergy symptoms in sensitive children

Key nutrients

Vitamin C

Supports immune function and helps with iron absorption

Vitamin A

Supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function

Folate

Supports growth and healthy cell development

Nutrition facts

Calories	12kcal
Protein	0.5g
Carbs	2.4g
Fat	0.3g
Fiber	1.0g
Sugar	1.1g
Iron	0.3mg
Calcium	57.0mg
Potassium	117mg
Vitamin C	2mg
Vitamin A	6.0µg
Folate	8µg
Zinc	0.10mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Dill?

Most babies can start Dill from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Dill is low risk when served in small, age-appropriate amounts. Finely chop fresh dill for babies and remove any woody stems. Larger fronds or tough stems can stick in the mouth and may cause gagging or coughing, so mix dill into soft foods rather than offering loose bunches.

Is Dill a choking hazard?

Dill is rated Low choking risk. Dill is low risk when served in small, age-appropriate amounts. Finely chop fresh dill for babies and remove any woody stems. Larger fronds or tough stems can stick in the mouth and may cause gagging or coughing, so mix dill into soft foods rather than offering loose bunches.

Is Dill a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. Dill allergy is uncommon, but children with birch or mugwort pollen allergy may be more likely to have oral itching or tingling with fresh dill. Cooked dill may be better tolerated for some children.