Romaine

When can babies have romaine?

Romaine can be offered once baby is ready for solids, from about 6 months. Chewing and swallowing lettuce is hard for the youngest eaters, so follow the age-based preparation tips. Offering green foods early and often may help reduce picky eating later.

Nutrition and origin

It gives plenty of water plus vitamin A, potassium, vitamin K and fiber. These support vision, heart health, blood and digestion. It is also called cos lettuce. The name comes from Italian lattuga romana and French laitue romaine. Compared with other lettuces it is sturdier, and its ribs are crunchy while its leaves taste a little bitter.

Preparation basics

In the early months offer the thick rib as strips, or cook the lettuce and shred it finely. Later try finely chopped leaf and rib. Leaves can cling to the roof of the mouth, so keep water nearby.

Wash lettuce well under cold running water, vinegar is not needed. Lettuce can carry germs such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. Throw away anything recalled by health authorities.

To store, wrap in a towel and keep in a loosely covered container in the fridge. This can add a week or two of shelf life.

Choking risk

Lettuce rarely causes choking. Small, thin pieces can slip into the airway, though. If leaves cling to the tongue or palate, gagging and coughing can follow. Offer water in an open cup. Stay within arm's reach during meals.

Allergen status

Lettuce allergy is rare, but when it happens it can be severe. A lettuce allergy can go together with sensitivity to lipid transfer proteins found in other foods, walnut, peanut, hazelnut, corn, grape, carrot, cherry, and peach among them. Not everyone with a lettuce allergy reacts to all of these.

People with pollen food allergy syndrome, especially plane tree pollen sensitivity, may have brief itching and burning in the mouth. Cooking can reduce it. Start with a small amount, alone, the first few times.