Herbs & spices Food Library
When can babies have cilantro?
Can babies have cilantro?
Babies can have cilantro from about 6 months, finely chopped and mixed into food. Cilantro, also called fresh coriander, adds bright flavor to beans, avocado and rice without any salt. Ground coriander seed is a mild spice that is also fine from 6 months.
How to serve cilantro by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Wash cilantro well, chop the leaves and tender stems very finely or blend them in, and stir a teaspoon into smooth mashed avocado, pureed black beans, lentils or plain yogurt. A pinch of ground coriander seed can also season purees.
7–8 months
Stir finely chopped cilantro into thicker, lumpier mashes like fork-mashed beans, avocado or soft rice. A pinch of ground coriander seed works well in minced meat, lentils and soft-cooked vegetables.
9–12 months
Mix finely chopped cilantro into rice, soft fish, scrambled eggs or bean patties. Offer foods with visible green flecks so your baby gets used to herbs as part of normal meals.
12 months +
Toddlers can have cilantro sprinkled on tacos, soups, curries and salads. Chop it finely, since larger leaves can stick to the roof of the mouth.
Why it’s good
Cilantro gives small amounts of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants. Because babies eat just a sprinkle, cilantro is mainly a way to add fresh flavor without salt. Early exposure to herbs can help babies accept a wider range of tastes later.
Safety notes
- Chop cilantro finely. Whole leaves and long stems can stick to the roof of the mouth or cause gagging.
- Wash fresh cilantro thoroughly under running water. Cilantro has been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks, and grit hides in the leaves.
- Use plain ground coriander seed, not whole seeds, for babies. Whole seeds are hard and small.
- Store-bought salsas and chutneys with cilantro can be high in salt or spicy. Make your own or use small amounts.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Cilantro is not a common allergen, though allergy to coriander and related plants such as celery, carrot and fennel is possible. People with pollen allergies may notice an itchy mouth. Watch for hives, swelling or vomiting.
Cilantro for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about cilantro for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have cilantro?
Babies can have cilantro from about 6 months, when they start solids. Finely chopped cilantro mixed into soft foods like avocado, beans or yogurt is a good way to start.
Can babies have cilantro?
Yes, babies can eat cilantro when it is washed well and chopped into tiny pieces. Cilantro adds fresh flavor with no salt and is safe in the small amounts used in cooking.
Is cilantro a choking hazard for babies?
Cilantro is a low choking risk when finely chopped and mixed into food. Whole leaves can stick to the roof of the mouth and cause gagging, so chop cilantro small for babies and young toddlers.
Is cilantro a common allergen?
No, cilantro is not a common allergen and is not one of the Top 9 food allergens. Reactions are rare but possible, especially in people sensitive to celery, carrot or certain pollens.
How do I serve cilantro to a 6 month old?
To serve cilantro to a 6 month old, wash and finely chop the leaves, then mix about a teaspoon into a smooth food like mashed avocado, pureed black beans or lentils. The herb should blend into the food rather than sit on top.
Is coriander the same as cilantro?
Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant. In the US, cilantro means the fresh leaves and coriander means the dried seeds, while in many other countries the fresh leaves are also called coriander.
Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?
Cilantro tastes like soap to some people because of natural aldehyde compounds in the leaves, and sensitivity to them is partly genetic. If your baby makes faces at cilantro, keep offering it now and then, since taste preferences change.
Can babies have ground coriander?
Yes, babies can have ground coriander from 6 months as a seasoning in cooked foods. Ground coriander seed is mild, warm and slightly citrusy, and it pairs well with carrots, lentils and chicken.
Should cilantro be cooked for babies?
Cilantro does not need to be cooked for babies, but it must be washed thoroughly. Stirring cilantro into warm food at the end of cooking keeps its flavor and softens the leaves slightly.
The takeaway
- Babies can have cilantro from about 6 months, finely chopped and mixed into food.
- Wash cilantro well, chop the leaves and tender stems very finely or blend them in, and stir a teaspoon into smooth mashed avocado, pureed black beans, lentils or plain yogurt.
- Choking risk is low. Not a Top 9 allergen, but offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.