Collard greens
Usually introduced around 6 months
Prep warning
Remove the tough central stem before cooking, since it stays fibrous and chewy even after the leaf has softened.
Choking notes
A whole or large piece of raw leaf can bunch up or stick to the roof of the mouth. Cook collard greens until soft and chop them finely, or blend them into another food.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Strip out the stem, then steam or simmer the leaves until very soft. Chop finely and fold into a purée, yogurt, or mashed beans, or blend smooth into a vegetable purée.
Finely chopped after cooking, or blended into a carrier food.
9-12 months
Keep serving cooked, finely chopped collard greens. You can also tear a small piece of well-cooked soft leaf and mix it into other finger foods.
Finely chopped, or small pieces of soft cooked leaf.
12-18 months
Offer cooked collard greens chopped into small pieces, or stirred through grains, eggs, or pasta. Small soft torn pieces of raw leaf can be mixed into a salad as chewing improves.
Chopped small, or soft raw leaf torn into small pieces.
Key nutrients
Common questions
When can my baby eat Collard greens?
Most babies can try Collard greens from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is Collard greens a choking hazard for babies?
Collard greens is considered a lower choking-risk food when served in age-appropriate sizes and textures. Follow the cut sizes above and always stay close during meals.
Is Collard greens a common allergen?
Collard greens is not one of the major food allergens. Any new food can still cause a reaction, so keep an eye on your baby the first few times.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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