First foods database
🍋 Lemon for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have lemon? Yes, from about 6 months a squeeze of lemon juice or a little zest is a great way to brighten food without salt. Babies are not likely to eat lemon on its own, and that is fine.
Good source of: Vitamin C, Flavonoids
How to serve lemon by age
6 to 9 months
Squeeze a little lemon juice over fish, vegetables or lentils, or stir zest into yoghurt. Some babies enjoy sucking a wedge (seeds removed), pulling wonderfully surprised faces; supervise and take it away if they bite off pieces.
9 to 12 months
Use lemon in dressings, hummus, fish dishes and baking to add flavour.
12 months and up
Enjoy lemon in family cooking and homemade drinks; save sweetened lemonade for rare treats.
Choking safety
Remove pips, and do not leave a baby alone with a lemon wedge. Pieces of peel and pith are tough and best avoided.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Lemon is acidic: some babies get a mild red rash around the mouth, which usually fades quickly.
- Avoid shop lemonade and lemon squash: they are sugary.
Easy ideas
- Lemony hummus
- Salmon with a squeeze of lemon
- Lemon zest yoghurt dip
Goes well with
Recipes with lemon
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat lemon?
Can babies have lemon? Yes, from about 6 months a squeeze of lemon juice or a little zest is a great way to brighten food without salt. Babies are not likely to eat lemon on its own, and that is fine.
Is lemon too acidic for babies?
A small amount in food is fine. A temporary red patch around the mouth is common after acidic foods.
Can I give my baby lemon water?
Water or milk are the best drinks. A tiny squeeze in water is fine occasionally for older babies.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).