Sauerkraut
- First taste
- 6 months
- Choking risk
- low
- Common allergen
- no
- Iron
- low
Fermented · high in salt, small amounts
When can babies eat sauerkraut?
When can babies have sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut can be offered in small amounts once baby is ready for solids, from about 6 months. In many food cultures it is not a classic first food. It is a good way to introduce sour flavors and probiotics.
High in salt
Sauerkraut is very high in sodium. Rinse it and serve only a small amount.
Origin
Sauerkraut is German for 'sour cabbage'. Fine shreds of cabbage are tossed with salt and seasonings, then left to ferment. Preserving food with salt is a very old method with Middle Eastern roots. Sauerkraut is made across Europe and is a close cousin of kimchi. In Turkey, pickled cabbage is often made in brine or vinegar, and the recipe may differ.
How do you prepare sauerkraut for babies?
Preparation basics
Always rinse and chop finely. Prefer refrigerated products fermented with salt. Canned versions are acceptable but lose their probiotics in heat processing. Keep refrigerated after opening.
Read the label. Store-bought products may contain garlic, ginger and many other ingredients.
Preparation by age
The same food is served differently at each age. What matters is how your baby sits, grasps and chews, more than the calendar.
6 months
6 months · Rinse and chop finelymash
Cut: Finely chopped
Wash the sauerkraut under running water in a sieve to shed most of its salt. Chop it finely. New eaters may find cooked or fermented cabbage difficult to chew. Serve a small amount alone or stirred into a soft food such as applesauce.
9 months
9 months · Gradually larger piecescube
As baby gets better at chewing and swallowing, offer rinsed sauerkraut in slightly larger pieces. Keep the amount small.
12 months
12 months · In grain dishes or with fruit and vegetablescube
Serve sauerkraut plain, stirred through grain dishes, or combined with diced apple, grated carrot and thin slices of sweet pepper.
Is sauerkraut a choking hazard for babies?
Choking risk: low
Sauerkraut is not a common cause of choking. Chop it finely and stay close to your baby.
Choking risk
Sauerkraut is not a common cause of choking. In theory any food can cause choking, though. Chop it finely and stay near your baby throughout the meal.
Is sauerkraut a common allergen?
Allergen status
Allergy to cabbage itself is extremely rare. But a baby who is allergic to mustard seed or mustard leaves may also react to sauerkraut. Products can contain many ingredients, so read the label. If allergy runs in the family or you have doubts, ask an allergist first. Give a small amount, alone, the first few times.
Key nutrients
Frequently asked questions about sauerkraut
Does sauerkraut contain probiotics?
Refrigerated products fermented with salt contain live bacteria. Canned products lose them in heat processing.
Is sauerkraut healthy for babies?
In small amounts, yes. It provides vitamins B, C and K. Its sodium is very high, so rinse it and serve little.
What should I check on store-bought products?
Choose refrigerated products fermented with salt and read the ingredients. They may contain added garlic, ginger or other flavorings.
Sources for this page
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). Choking Prevention.
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Salt reduction.
Guides on iron, allergen introduction, gagging and drinks. Read the starting solids guides
Medical note
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your pediatrician before any feeding decision, especially about allergen introduction and reactions.
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Astro Tasarım Simay Yenice · Türkiye · merhaba@lokmini.com