First foods database
🥬 Red cabbage for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat red cabbage? Yes, from about 6 months, cooked until soft. Its deep purple colour comes from natural plant pigments, and it brings a mild, slightly sweet flavour once braised.
Good source of: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Fibre
How to serve red cabbage by age
6 to 9 months
Braise or steam finely shredded red cabbage until very tender, then blend into a purée, perhaps with apple or potato. Long, soft cooked strips can be offered as finger food once baby can hold them.
9 to 12 months
Offer soft braised red cabbage finely chopped and mixed with mash, rice or pasta, or stirred into a lentil stew.
12 months and up
Serve braised red cabbage with roast dinners, finely shredded in slaws with a yoghurt dressing, or in stir fries.
Choking safety
Raw cabbage leaves are tough and can be hard to chew. Cook it until soft for babies, chop it finely, and only offer raw shredded cabbage once your child chews well.
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
- Cabbage can make nappies a bit windier or change colour; this is normal.
- Leave out added salt and sugar from braising recipes.
Easy ideas
- Red cabbage and apple braise
- Red cabbage mashed into potato
- Shredded cabbage in a mild yoghurt slaw for toddlers
Goes well with
Weaning with OBubba
Log first foods in seconds. OBubba spots the allergens for you.
Track every food your baby has tried, see reactions over time, and let OBubba gently pace new allergens one at a time. Free to download.
Questions parents ask
Can babies eat red cabbage?
Can babies eat red cabbage? Yes, from about 6 months, cooked until soft. Its deep purple colour comes from natural plant pigments, and it brings a mild, slightly sweet flavour once braised.
Why is my baby's poo purple after red cabbage?
The natural pigments in red cabbage can tint poo, just like beetroot. It is harmless.
Does red cabbage cause wind in babies?
Brassicas can make some babies a little windier. Start with small amounts and see how your baby gets on.
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).