Watercress
Usually introduced around 6 months
Choking notes
Watercress is not a high-risk food, but a whole raw leaf can stick to the roof of the mouth or bunch together. Cook and finely chop it, or tear raw leaves into small pieces and mix them into other food.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Watercress has a peppery flavor and tender leaves. Wash it well, cook it briefly until wilted, then finely chop it and fold it into a purée, mashed vegetables, yogurt, or scrambled egg. A whole raw leaf can stick to the roof of the mouth, so cook and chop it or blend it into a carrier food at this stage.
Cooked and finely chopped, or blended into a carrier food.
9-12 months
Keep watercress cooked and finely chopped, mixed into soft foods. As your baby handles more texture, a small amount of raw leaf can be torn into tiny pieces and stirred in, but cooked and chopped is easiest to manage.
Cooked and finely chopped; a little raw leaf torn small and mixed in.
12-18 months
Watercress can be served cooked or raw in small soft pieces, chopped and mixed into salads, pasta, eggs, or sauces. Tear raw leaves small so they do not bunch up, and keep an eye on your child while they eat.
Cooked or raw in small chopped pieces; tear raw leaves small.
Key nutrients
Common questions
When can my baby eat Watercress?
Most babies can try Watercress from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
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.
Track Watercress and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.