Veggies Food Library
When can babies have daikon?
Can babies have daikon?
Babies can have daikon from 6 months, as long as it is cooked until very soft. Raw daikon is hard and crunchy, which makes it a choking risk for babies, so save raw slices for older kids. Daikon is not a common allergen.
How to serve daikon by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Peel daikon, cut it up and simmer or steam until very soft. Blend or mash it smooth with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula, or stir it into potato or smooth rice porridge, and offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Cut peeled daikon into thick sticks about the length and width of an adult finger and simmer or steam until a stick squashes easily between your thumb and finger, then cool and serve. You can also fork-mash cooked daikon into potato or rice porridge for a lumpier texture.
9–12 months
Cut cooked, very soft daikon into bite-size cubes for pincer-grasp practice, or offer it in soft stews and soups. Daikon simmered in low-sodium broth soaks up flavor nicely.
12 months +
Toddlers can have soft cooked daikon in stir-fries, soups and braises. Raw daikon is still a choking risk, so if you offer it raw, grate it finely or shave it into paper-thin ribbons.
Why it’s good
Daikon is a mild, juicy radish that gives babies vitamin C, potassium, folate and fiber, with lots of water. The vitamin C helps babies absorb iron from beans, grains and greens served at the same meal. Daikon greens are edible too and add extra vitamins when cooked.
Safety notes
- Never serve raw daikon sticks, cubes or coins to babies. Raw daikon is hard and crunchy and can break into pieces that block the airway.
- Cook daikon until it squashes easily between your thumb and finger. Test every batch, since thicker or older roots take longer to soften.
- Pickled daikon and daikon kimchi are usually high in salt, and kimchi is often spicy. Wait until after 12 months and offer only a small taste.
- Peel daikon and scrub it well, as root vegetables can carry soil.
- Daikon has a peppery bite when raw that mellows when cooked, so start with cooked daikon for a gentler flavor.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Daikon is not a common allergen, though rare reactions to radishes and related mustard-family vegetables have been reported. Introduce it in a small amount and watch for hives, swelling or vomiting.
Daikon for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about daikon for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have daikon?
Babies can have daikon from 6 months, when it is cooked until very soft. Serve cooked daikon mashed or pureed at first, then in large soft finger-shaped sticks from 7–8 months, and avoid raw daikon for babies.
Can babies have daikon?
Yes, babies can eat daikon radish when it is cooked soft. Daikon is mild and slightly sweet once cooked, and it gives babies vitamin C, fiber and potassium.
Is daikon a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, raw daikon is a choking hazard for babies because it is firm and crunchy. Cook daikon until it squashes easily, cut it into age-appropriate shapes, and always stay with your baby while they eat.
Is daikon a common allergen?
No, daikon is not a common allergen and is not one of the Top 9 food allergens. Reactions to daikon are rare, but watch for signs like hives or swelling when you first serve it.
How do I serve daikon to a 6 month old?
To serve daikon to a 6 month old, peel it, simmer or steam it until very soft, then blend or mash it smooth, or stir it into potato or rice porridge, and offer it on a spoon. Soft-cooked daikon sticks to hold can follow at 7–8 months.
Can babies have pickled daikon?
Babies should skip pickled daikon before 12 months because it is usually high in salt and sometimes sugar. After 12 months, an occasional small taste is fine, rinsed if possible and cut into thin pieces.
Can babies have daikon kimchi?
Daikon kimchi, also called kkakdugi, is high in salt and usually spicy, so it is best saved until after 12 months. For toddlers, offer a small, rinsed piece cut thin, and serve it with rice or plain foods.
Can babies have raw grated daikon?
Finely grated raw daikon mixed into other foods is lower risk than raw chunks, but it has a sharp, peppery taste. For babies, cooked daikon is easier, while toddlers can try a little finely grated raw daikon.
Are daikon greens safe for babies?
Daikon greens are safe for babies when they are washed well, cooked until tender and finely chopped. Stir chopped cooked daikon greens into rice, eggs or soups for extra vitamins.
The takeaway
- Babies can have daikon from 6 months, as long as it is cooked until very soft.
- Peel daikon, cut it up and simmer or steam until very soft.
- Choking risk is medium. 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
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
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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.