Lemon for babies

How to prepare lemon by age

1. 6–9 months

   Use as a flavouring: a squeeze of lemon juice or a little finely grated zest over vegetables, fish or avocado. Baby can also lick and suck a large lemon wedge with all pips removed, under close supervision — never leave baby alone with the peel (take it away if they bite off pieces of peel).

2. 9–12 months

   A squeeze of lemon juice or zest in dishes, dips and yogurt. Acidic foods can cause temporary redness around the mouth — wipe baby's face after eating.

3. 12 months+

   Juice and zest in cooking and baking. Offer water rather than sweetened lemonade.

Recipes with lemon

• Breakfast Avocado Toast Strips 6–9m · 9–12m · 12m+ · 10 min Contains: Wheat
• Lunch Steamed Broccoli Trees 6–9m · 9–12m · 12m+ · 15 min
• Dinner Salmon Cakes 9–12m · 12m+ · 25 min Contains: Egg, Wheat, Fish
• Dinner Baked Cod Fingers 9–12m · 12m+ · 20 min Contains: Egg, Wheat, Fish
• Dinner Chicken Drumsticks 12m+ · 40 min
• Snacks Cucumber Ribbon Salad 9–12m · 12m+ · 10 min Contains: Cow's milk (dairy)
• Snacks Roasted Red Pepper Hummus 9–12m · 12m+ · 25 min Contains: Sesame
• Snacks Edamame and Avocado Mash 9–12m · 12m+ · 15 min Contains: Soy
• Lunch Mackerel Pate 12m+ · 15 min Contains: Cow's milk (dairy), Fish
• Lunch Sardine Toast 12m+ · 10 min Contains: Wheat, Fish
• Dinner Cauliflower Steaks 9–12m · 12m+ · 30 min
• Snacks Asparagus Soldiers 9–12m · 12m+ · 15 min Contains: Cow's milk (dairy)

Sources

This guide is based on published guidance from:

• AAP (HealthyChildren.org): Starting Solid Foods