Veggies Food Library
When can babies have scallions?
Can babies have scallions?
Babies can have scallions, also called green onions, from about 6 months when they are cooked and finely chopped. Raw scallions are strong and stringy, and long pieces can cause gagging. A small amount of cooked scallion is an easy way to add flavor without salt.
How to serve scallions by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Finely chop scallions, cook them until soft, and blend or mash them into smooth foods like congee, mashed potato or vegetable puree. Offer it on a spoon, starting with a small amount.
7–8 months
Cook finely chopped scallions into lumpier foods like soft scrambled eggs, thick congee or fork-mashed potato. Soft homemade scallion pancake strips with little salt are fine too; skip long strands, which can wrap in the mouth.
9–12 months
Mix finely chopped cooked scallions into omelets, fried rice, fritters, dumpling fillings and soups. Keep pieces small.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat finely sliced raw or cooked scallions sprinkled on noodles, eggs, tacos and soups. Thin slices across the stalk are easier to chew than long strips.
Why it’s good
Scallions give babies vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A and folate, plus small amounts of fiber. Like other onions, scallions contain plant compounds that add flavor and color. Using scallions helps season baby food without salt.
Safety notes
- Cook scallions and chop them finely for babies. Raw scallions are pungent and long green strands can wrap in the mouth and cause gagging.
- Slice scallions thinly across the stalk rather than lengthwise to avoid long, stringy pieces.
- Trim the root end and wash scallions well, since soil collects between the layers.
- Scallion pancakes and fried rice from restaurants are often salty and oily. Make a low-salt version at home.
- Onion-family foods can cause gas or loose stools in some babies. Start with a small amount.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Scallions are not a common allergen, though reactions to onion-family foods are possible. Watch for hives, vomiting or swelling the first time you serve them.
Scallions for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about scallions for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have scallions?
Babies can have scallions from about 6 months, cooked and finely chopped into other foods. Scallions add mild onion flavor without salt.
Can babies have green onions?
Yes, babies can eat green onions when they are cooked and chopped small. Green onions and scallions are the same vegetable.
Are scallions a choking hazard for babies?
Scallions are a low choking risk when cooked and finely chopped. Long, stringy raw pieces can cause gagging, so slice scallions thinly across the stalk.
Are scallions a common allergen?
No, scallions are not a common allergen. Allergic reactions to onion-family foods are rare but possible, so watch your baby the first time.
How do I serve scallions to a 6 month old?
To serve scallions to a 6 month old, finely chop a scallion, cook it until soft and blend or mash it into congee or mashed potato. Offer it on a spoon, starting with a small amount so your baby can get used to the onion flavor.
Can babies have raw scallions?
Raw scallions are very strong and stringy for babies, so cooked scallions are a better choice under 12 months. Toddlers can have thinly sliced raw scallions sprinkled on food.
Can babies have scallion pancakes?
Babies from about 7–8 months can have homemade scallion pancakes made with little salt, cut into soft strips. Restaurant scallion pancakes are often salty and oily, so save those for occasional tastes.
Do scallions cause gas in babies?
Scallions and other onions can cause gas in some babies. Cooking scallions and starting with small amounts usually helps.
Is there a difference between scallions, green onions and spring onions?
Scallions and green onions are the same, while spring onions have a larger bulb at the base. All can be cooked and chopped for babies the same way.
The takeaway
- Babies can have scallions, also called green onions, from about 6 months when they are cooked and finely chopped.
- Finely chop scallions, cook them until soft, and blend or mash them into smooth foods like congee, mashed potato or vegetable puree.
- 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.