Can a one-year-old baby eat onions?

Whether a one-year-old baby can eat onions depends on their digestive capacity and allergy status. If digestion is good and there's no allergy, a small amount can be cautiously introduced; however, if the baby has a sensitive stomach or is prone to allergies, onions are not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the one-year-old baby has already adapted to various complementary foods and has normal bowel movements without diarrhea or constipation, onions can be fully cooked until soft and mashed into fine bits, then added in small amounts to porridge or noodles. Cooking reduces the pungency of onions, and moderate consumption can supply nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Dietary fiber in onions may also promote intestinal motility and help develop diverse taste experiences for the baby.

However, if the baby has weak gastrointestinal function, the spicy and irritating substances and coarse fibers in onions may increase digestive burden, causing discomfort such as vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Onions are a potential allergenic food; babies with allergic constitutions or family allergy histories might experience allergic reactions such as rashes or lip swelling after consumption. Additionally, babies during illness or teething stages should not be introduced to onions abruptly.

When introducing onions to a one-year-old baby, start with a very small quantity and observe for 2-3 days for any digestive issues or allergic symptoms before gradually increasing the amount. If any discomfort occurs, stop feeding immediately and consult a doctor. The introduction of complementary foods should follow the principles of gradual progression and safety first.