If we want to look at this technically, babies are able to eat fruits and veggies as of 6 months of age. Salad is basically a mix of veggies, which should make it okay. However, can babies manage to safely consume salad?
Lettuce strips are usually cut in a way that can be difficult for a young baby to manage without choking. This doesn’t mean that we can’t offer lettuce to babies who are 6 months old, but it does mean that we have to pay attention to how we cut and offer the ingredients. Shredded lettuce should not be offered to babies under 9 months of age.
The most common age when “adult” salad is introduced to babies is around 12 to 18 months: toddlerhood. Even then, however, parents have to watch out for choking.
Perfecting the pincer grasp is very helpful for children as it helps them pick up individual pieces of the salad and slowly chew them.
When offering salad, make sure to include a good quantity of tomatoes and cucumbers to reduce the intensity of lettuce.
What about Lebanese Tabbouli? When Can Babies Eat Tabbouli?
Mama Melly recommends steering clear of tabbouli (finely chopped parsley) until at least the age of two. Even after the age of two, make sure to follow these steps:
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Ensure your toddler is eating slowly and chewing properly
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Let your tabbouleh soak in the dressing for a while before offering it to your kiddo. This will allow the parsley to die down a little
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Cut the parsley extremely fine
