Gai Lan

Category: Vegetable
Recommended age: 6 months
Priority allergen: Not a priority allergen
Nutrition highlights: Vitamin C

Overview

Gai lan (Chinese broccoli) fits complementary feeding around 6 months with other vegetables. Introduce it as one single-ingredient new food.

Preparation

Cook gai lan stems and leaves until soft enough to mash easily with a fork, then mash, puree, or chop finely for first offers. Do not offer raw hard stems or leafy pieces to young infants. Supervise every meal.

Three-step introduction

Step 1: First tiny taste

Offer a small taste of well-cooked mashed or pureed gai lan. Watch for concerning symptoms during and after the feed.

Step 2: Larger offer

If tolerated, offer more of the same preparation at a later feed.

Step 3: Include regularly

Serve this food regularly in age-safe textures.

FAQ

When are babies usually ready for solid foods?

Complementary foods are typically introduced around 6 months of age, when the baby shows developmental readiness (for example, sitting with support, good head control, and swallowing food rather than pushing it out). Introducing solids before 4 months is not recommended.

Do I need to introduce foods in a certain order?

For most children, there is no required order for first foods. Fruits, vegetables, meats and other proteins, and other food groups can all be part of complementary feeding around 6 months.

How should I prepare gai lan for a baby?

Cook gai lan stems and leaves until they are soft enough to mash easily with a fork, then mash, puree, or chop finely for early complementary feeds. Do not offer raw hard stems or leafy pieces to young infants. Always supervise eating.

Sources

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