Dill

Herb/Spice

Is Dill Safe for Babies?

Yes, babies can have dill as early as 6 months, when they are ready to start solids, in small, prepared amounts.

Is my baby ready for Dill?

Yes, butthere are some things to know

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How Do You Serve Dill?

1
Rinse dill and remove any tough, woody stems, then finely chop the soft stems and fronds for an even texture.
2
Start with a pinch (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) mixed into a single serving to check tolerance — start small and watch.
3
Stir chopped dill into purees, cooked vegetables, yogurt, sauces, or mashed foods; add after cooking when possible to preserve its fresh flavor.
4
If using dried dill or dill powder, use about one-third the fresh amount; store fresh dill wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge for 2–3 days and introduce on its own while monitoring for any sensitivity.

Is Dill a Common Allergen?

Dairy

Egg

Fish

Gluten

Tree Nut

Peanut

Sesame

Shellfish

Soy

Dill is not a common top allergen and is generally safe for most children, but rare IgE‑mediated allergies and contact dermatitis (and isolated anaphylaxis reports) have been described. Introduce small amounts once other foods are tolerated; cooking may reduce risk. If your child has a history of severe food or herb/pollen allergies, introduce with caution and consult your pediatrician or allergist. Stop and seek medical care if you see hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a severe reaction.

What Nutrients Does Dill Have?

Dill is low-calorie and, when used as a culinary herb, provides small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A (as beta‑carotene), calcium, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber, plus antioxidant plant compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids). For babies, the vitamin C and antioxidants can support immune function and help with iron absorption from other foods, while the fiber and plant compounds may aid digestion. Dill is not a significant source of iron or other macronutrients, so it should be used as a flavoring rather than a primary nutrient source. Avoid concentrated forms (dill essential oils) and offer dill in small amounts—large intakes could cause mild stomach upset and, rarely, allergic or contact reactions.

Is Dill a Choking Hazard?

Very Low Choking Risk

Dill is not generally a choking hazard and presents a low risk when offered in forms appropriate for your child’s developmental stage, but any food can pose a choking risk. Larger pieces of fronds may cause babies or toddlers to gag or cough, so stay within arm’s reach and watch closely during meals. Make sure you know basic choking first-aid and seek immediate help if your child shows signs of choking (unable to cry, cough, or breathe).

Have More Questions?

Yes, dill can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week when wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag.

Yes, freezing dill in ice cube trays with water or olive oil allows you to keep small portions for future meals.

It depends; organic dill is usually more expensive but may have fewer pesticide residues, while conventional dill is more accessible and still safe for babies.

Yes, combining dill with mild, baby-friendly foods like pureed vegetables or grains can add flavor without overwhelming your baby's palate.

It depends on the amount and frequency; small amounts of dill in foods are generally safe, but excessive use might cause digestive discomfort in some babies.

Is Dill safe for your baby?

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Sources

21 CFR Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (eCFR) ecfr.gov
Anethum graveolens: An Indian traditional medicinal herb and spice (Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2010) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Anaphylaxis to dill (Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2000) sciencedirect.com
Occupational contact dermatitis to dill (Allergy, 2002) onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Apiaceae Family as a Valuable Source of Biocidal Components (Horticulturae, 2022) mdpi.com
Food allergy — Symptoms and causes (Mayo Clinic) mayoclinic.org
Oral Allergy Syndrome (AAAAI) aaaai.org
Oral Allergy Syndrome: An Update for Stomatologists (Journal of Allergy, 2015) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Phytophotodermatitis: a visit to Margaritaville (Cutis, 1993) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov