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    MJ & Hungryman ยป How To Series ยป Ultimate Guide to Cabbage for Babies

    Ultimate Guide to Cabbage for Babies

    By Min On August 17, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    A visual of how to serve cabbage to babies depending on their age.

    Serve cabbage to your baby with ease and confidence by using these cooking and serving tips and recipes. It's an amazing first food for babies.

    A large plate of shredded  braised red cabbage.
    Jump to:
    • When can Babies Eat Cabbage?
    • Health Benefits
    • Selecting the Best Cabbage
    • How to Cut Cabbage for Babies
    • Top Cooking Methods
    • Cabbage for Baby Led Weaning
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Cabbage Recipes for Babies
    • How to cook cabbage for babies

    When can Babies Eat Cabbage?

    It can be offered to babies as soon as theyโ€™re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. Itโ€™s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

    If youโ€™re unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!

    Health Benefits

    Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, along with broccoli, kale, and cauliflower.

    It comes in a variety of shapes and colors, and the most common ones you're likely to find at the store are green cabbage, red cabbage, savoy, napa, and bok choy (aka Chinese cabbage).

    It is particularly high in vitamin K, important for blood clotting and healthy bones.

    Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, which can greatly enhance the absorption of non-heme iron. One cup of chopped red cabbage contains the same amount of vitamin C in a small orange.

    It's also a wonderful source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Red cabbage also contains anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant (also found in purple sweet potatoes and carrots).

    Iron-rich Foods for Babies (+ Recipes)

    Selecting the Best Cabbage

    Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly and versatile vegetables.

    For headed cabbages, choose one that is firm and heavy for its size with tightly packed leaves. Avoid those with visibly wilted leaves.

    While there is always a place and need for convenience, note that pre-cut or pre-shredded cabbage contains less vitamin C than whole head.

    Cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to two weeks, although it's best to consume as soon as possible for the most nutritional value.

    Once cut, plan on using it within 2 days to retain as much vitamin C as possible.

    How to Cut Cabbage for Babies

    First, remove the outer leaves of the head and rinse in water.

    I suggest cutting into big wedges or strips as they are easier for younger babies to pick up. Once cooked, you can always slice into smaller pieces as needed.

    A four image collage showing how to slice a head of cabbage.

    To cut into wedges

    1. This is best for steaming. Cut the cabbage in half. Place the flat cut-side of the cabbage down and cut the cabbage into quarters.
    2. Cut the quarters diagonally to remove the core.
    3. Separate the leaves for cooking.

    To cut into strips or bite-sized pieces

    4. Slice the quarters into thinner pieces.

    Top Cooking Methods

    Steamed

    A two  image collage showing how to steam cabbage and slice for babies.
    1. Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add quartered and separated cabbage leaves.
    2. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until super soft.
    3. Keep the pieces large or finally chop as shown in the picture above.

    Braised

    A two image collage showing before and after red cabbage is  braised.

    Slice the cabbage thinly or cut into bite-sized pieces. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

    Add cabbage and cook, stirring, for a few minutes. Add water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer (covered) for 40 minutes or so, or until softened. Be sure to stir periodically.

    Cabbage Puree

    Chunky pureed cabbage in a glass jar with a baby spoon.

    Add sliced apple to the braising method. Cook until soft and blend in a food processor or blender. You can also stir in some breastmilk or formula.

    I like to keep the mixture on the chunkier side for texture exposure.

    50+ Best Finger Foods for Babies

    Cabbage for Baby Led Weaning

    A visual of how to serve cabbage to babies depending on their age.

    6+ months old

    Here are some different ways to serve puree:

    • preload onto a spoon or let  your baby get messy and use their hands
    • Spread on soft-cooked vegetables, toasted bread, salmon, chicken, etc.
    • Mix in with oatmeal, lentils, or other cooked grains. You can shape into balls or fingers so they are easier to grab.

    As for the cooked cabbage, bigger is better and safer at this age so they can easily grab the food with their palm and bring to mouth.

    You can also finely chop and mix into foods (Pictured: baby bolognese)

    8-9+ months old

    As your baby develops their pincer grasp and is able to pick up small pieces of food using their thumb and finger, you can cut into small, bite-sized pieces. I still suggest continuing to offer larger pieces so they can practice taking bites.

    It is a great skill that will help your child to slow down andย take bitesย rather than shovel, which is what my son did for the longest time because I always cut his food into small pieces.

    Top foods for 8+ month olds

    12+ months old

    You can start offering fermented cabbage, like kimchi (rinse with water to remove some of the heat) and sauerkraut.

    Depending on your child's chewing ability , you can introduce thinly sliced raw cabbage.

    Healthy Foods for 1 year old

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is cabbage safe for babies?

    As long as it's offered in appropriate size and texture, it is safe. Cabbage allergy is very rare as well.

    Does cabbage make baby gassy?

    Foods that are rich in fiber tend to cause gas, but you shouldn't eliminate them completely!

    These foods offer so many beneficial nutrients, necessary for your babyโ€™s growth and development. Not to mention, early introduction to a wide variety of flavors and textures is key in minimizing picky eating down the road.

    If your baby is gassy but doesn't seem to be in discomfort, there's no reason to worry. If your baby is extra gassy after eating certain foods, just don't overload them with those foods.

    What is the best way to store leftovers?

    Transfer cooked cabbage to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Cabbage Recipes for Babies

    • One pot cabbage lasagna
    • Vegetable beef soup with cabbage

    If you want to learn how to prepare other specific food(s), check out my How To Series!

    A large plate of shredded braised red cabbage.

    How to cook cabbage for babies

    Serve cabbage to your baby with ease and confidence by using these cooking and serving tips and recipes.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Steamer

    Ingredients

    • ยฝ head cabbage of choice (about 1.5 pounds)
    • 1 tablespoon butter, if braising
    • 1 medium apple, if pureeing

    Instructions

    Steam

    • Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add quartered and separated cabbage leaves. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until super soft.

    Braise

    • Slice the cabbage thinly or cut into bite-sized pieces. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add cabbage and cook, stirring, for a few minutes. Add water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer (covered) for 40 minutes or so, or until softened. Be sure to stir periodically.

    Puree

    • Add sliced apple to the braising method. Cook until soft and blend in a food processor or blender. You can also stir in some breastmilk or formula.

    Notes

    Transfer cooked cabbage to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 16kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g
    Course Baby Food
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. NT says

      September 22, 2022 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Min. Thank you for the article. I want to braised it. To make it really soft before I stir fry them into my child's favourite fried glass noodle. I use an Instant Pot. Do you have an idea if I can use an Instant Pot to braised the red cabbage? My child has sensory processing disorder, I must include red cabbage in her diet (she has GDD, poor immune system and over health) so I need the red cabbage to be really soft and Instant Pot does it best. I also have tools to cut them really small so, no problem on that. Just need help on texture and Instant Pot can help me to do that it's just that I don't know how long to cook them without overcooking them and risk destroying the nutrients. Hope you can help me. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Min says

        September 22, 2022 at 8:58 pm

        Hi! You can! I would start by cooking for 5 minutes!

        Reply
    2. Jeanny says

      August 17, 2022 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Appreciate this very detailed guide on how to cook cabbage. I'm not great at cooking but I want my baby to be exposed to every single food, this helps a lot!

      Reply
      • Min says

        August 17, 2022 at 4:08 pm

        I'm SO glad you found this to be helpful!

        Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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