Apple for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Apple?

Most babies can start Apple from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Raw apple is a high choking risk for babies and young toddlers because it is hard, crisp, and slippery. For younger babies, serve apple cooked until very soft or finely grated. Avoid raw chunks, thick slices, and firm wedges. Only offer thin raw slices or wedges when your child has mature chewing skills and can take small bites reliably.

Q: Is Apple a choking hazard?

Apple is rated High choking risk. Raw apple is a high choking risk for babies and young toddlers because it is hard, crisp, and slippery. For younger babies, serve apple cooked until very soft or finely grated. Avoid raw chunks, thick slices, and firm wedges. Only offer thin raw slices or wedges when your child has mature chewing skills and can take small bites reliably.

Q: Is Apple a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. Apple is not a common allergen, but children with birch pollen or related pollen allergies may develop oral itching or mild swelling with raw apple. Cooked or peeled apple may be better tolerated.

About Apple

Apple is a familiar fruit that can be a nutritious part of a baby's diet, but it needs careful preparation because raw apple is firm and a significant choking hazard for infants and young toddlers. When cooked until very soft, apples become easier to mash, spoon-feed, or serve as soft finger food. Apples provide carbohydrates for energy, fiber to support digestion, and vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron from other foods. They also contain water and potassium, making them a refreshing fruit option to pair with iron-rich foods like oats, beans, meat, or lentils. Apple is not a common allergen, but some children can react, especially those with pollen-related oral allergy syndrome. Reactions are often mild and may include itching or tingling in the mouth. Peeling and cooking the apple may reduce symptoms for children with this type of sensitivity. Most babies can start apple from 6 months old if it is cooked until soft or finely grated. Avoid raw apple chunks, slices, and firm pieces for babies and young toddlers. As chewing skills improve, you can progress to very thin grated raw apple, soft cooked wedges, and later thin raw slices or wedges only when your child can bite and chew reliably.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Soft cooked apple puree, mash, or very soft halves/slices

Cook peeled apple until very soft, then mash or puree for spoon-feeding. For baby-led weaning, offer large soft pieces that squish easily between your fingers. Finely grated raw apple may be used with caution, but avoid raw chunks.

9+ months

Soft cooked wedges or finely grated raw apple

Offer peeled apple cooked until very soft as wedges or slices your baby can hold. If serving raw apple, use only very finely grated apple in small amounts and supervise closely.

18+ months

Thin raw slices or soft cooked wedges

When your toddler is chewing well, you can offer very thin raw apple slices or soft cooked wedges. Avoid thick wedges and round slices that are harder to bite safely.

24+ months

Small raw wedges or bite-sized thin slices

Offer peeled or unpeeled raw apple in thin slices or small wedges only if your child takes small bites and chews thoroughly. Continue close supervision, as raw apple can still be a choking hazard.

Pairs well with

OatmealPlain full-fat yogurtPeanut butter thinned with yogurt or water for older babies already introduced to peanutCinnamonPearSweet potatoLentils

A note on ages

These age ranges are general guidelines. Every baby develops at their own pace, so always follow your child's readiness signs and consult your pediatrician.

Safety & allergens

Choking riskHigh

Raw apple is a high choking risk for babies and young toddlers because it is hard, crisp, and slippery. For younger babies, serve apple cooked until very soft or finely grated. Avoid raw chunks, thick slices, and firm wedges. Only offer thin raw slices or wedges when your child has mature chewing skills and can take small bites reliably.

What to watch for

Itching or tingling in the mouthBurning sensation in the lips or tongueSwelling of lips, mouth, or faceRash or hivesVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

Cook apple until very soft for younger babies

Avoid raw chunks, thick slices, and firm wedges

Peel and remove the core, seeds, and stem

For under 12 months, offer mashed, soft cooked pieces, or finely grated raw apple

Test cooked apple with your fingers to ensure it squishes easily

Ensure baby is sitting upright

Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store whole apples in a cool place or refrigerator. Once peeled, cut, or cooked, refrigerate in an airtight container and use within 3-5 days.

ⓘ

Freeze cooked apple puree, mash, or soft pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Provides carbohydrates for energy
Contains fiber to support healthy digestion
Provides vitamin C to support immune function and iron absorption
Contains water and potassium for hydration and fluid balance

Raw apple is a high choking risk for young children
Not a significant source of protein or fat
Lower in iron and zinc than many other complementary foods

Key nutrients

Fiber

Helps support healthy digestion and regular stools

Vitamin C

Supports immune function and helps with iron absorption

Potassium

Supports muscle, nerve, and fluid balance

Nutrition facts

Calories	254kcal
Protein	7.4g
Carbs	37.1g
Fat	8.7g
Fiber	2.5g
Iron	1.1mg
Calcium	30.0mg
Potassium	90mg
Vitamin C	1mg
Vitamin A	94.0µg
Folate	88µg
Zinc	1.03mg

per 100 g

In season

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Common questions

When can babies eat Apple?

Most babies can start Apple from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Raw apple is a high choking risk for babies and young toddlers because it is hard, crisp, and slippery. For younger babies, serve apple cooked until very soft or finely grated. Avoid raw chunks, thick slices, and firm wedges. Only offer thin raw slices or wedges when your child has mature chewing skills and can take small bites reliably.

Is Apple a choking hazard?

Apple is rated High choking risk. Raw apple is a high choking risk for babies and young toddlers because it is hard, crisp, and slippery. For younger babies, serve apple cooked until very soft or finely grated. Avoid raw chunks, thick slices, and firm wedges. Only offer thin raw slices or wedges when your child has mature chewing skills and can take small bites reliably.

Is Apple a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. Apple is not a common allergen, but children with birch pollen or related pollen allergies may develop oral itching or mild swelling with raw apple. Cooked or peeled apple may be better tolerated.