From the Guidelines
Lettuce can be introduced to 7-month-old babies in small amounts and in a pureed or finely chopped form, as part of a varied diet that prioritizes iron-rich foods and breast milk or formula. According to the pediatric health guidelines outlined in the study 1, at 6+ months, infants typically feed every 4–5 h at each of 3–5 feedings per 24 h, and complementary foods should be offered 2–3 times/day. The guidelines also recommend introducing one new food at a time, starting with iron-rich or fortified foods. Lettuce, being a vegetable, can be part of this complementary feeding, but it's essential to introduce it in a way that minimizes the risk of choking and allergic reactions.
When introducing lettuce, it's crucial to start with small amounts (about 1-2 teaspoons) and mix it with other foods the baby is already familiar with. Raw lettuce can be difficult for babies to chew and swallow properly, so it's best to offer well-cooked, pureed, or very finely chopped lettuce. The study 1 emphasizes the importance of avoiding foods high in sodium or with added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and lettuce is a good option in this regard. However, it's also important to note that lettuce has limited caloric value for growing babies, and the primary focus should be on iron-rich foods, breast milk or formula, and other nutrient-dense options.
Some key points to consider when introducing lettuce to 7-month-old babies include:
- Start with small amounts (about 1-2 teaspoons)
- Mix with other familiar foods
- Offer well-cooked, pureed, or very finely chopped lettuce
- Watch for any allergic reactions
- Prioritize iron-rich foods and breast milk or formula
- Introduce only one new food at a time, waiting 2-3 days between new foods to monitor for any adverse reactions.
From the Research
Lettuce Allergy in Babies
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the safety of lettuce for 7-month-old babies.
- However, the studies suggest that introducing potentially allergenic foods at 4-6 months of age may be beneficial in preventing allergies 2.
- It is also mentioned that delaying the introduction of any specific food beyond six months of age may not help in preventing allergy 2.
- Common allergenic foods include milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish, but lettuce is not specifically mentioned as a common allergen in the provided studies 3, 4, 5.
- It is recommended to introduce new foods one at a time and in small amounts to monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction, but this is a general guideline and not specific to lettuce 2, 3.