Can babies eat onions?
Whether a baby can eat onions depends on their age and digestive capacity. If the baby is one year old and has good digestive function, a small amount can be cautiously introduced. However, if the baby is under one year old or has sensitive digestion or allergies, it's not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Babies over one year old who have already been introduced to various complementary foods and have no digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation may consume small amounts of onions that have been thoroughly cooked until soft and then chopped finely. The onions can be mixed into porridge or noodles. Onions contain vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Moderate intake can supplement nutrition, while dietary fiber helps stimulate intestinal motility. Cooked onions are less irritating and can help diversify complementary foods.
Babies under one year old have immature gastrointestinal systems, and the pungent, irritating components and coarse fibers in onions can burden their digestive system, potentially causing discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea. Moreover, onions are a common allergenic food. Babies with allergic constitutions or a history of food allergies may experience allergic reactions such as rashes or oral itching after consumption. Babies with gastrointestinal sensitivity or who are currently experiencing diarrhea should also avoid onions.
When introducing onions to babies, start with a very small quantity and observe for 2-3 days for any allergic or digestive problems before gradually increasing the amount. Onions must be thoroughly cooked during preparation; avoid cooking methods such as frying or serving raw in salads. If any adverse reactions occur, stop feeding immediately and seek medical attention. The introduction of complementary foods should follow the principle of progressing from small amounts to larger ones, and from single ingredients to more varied combinations.