Apricot for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Apricot?

Most babies can start Apricot from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Apricots contain a hard pit and can be slippery or firm if underripe. Always remove the pit completely. Serve only very ripe, soft apricot as mashed fruit, large pitted halves, thin slices, or small soft pieces based on age. Avoid firm fruit, dried apricots for younger babies, and any piece that is hard, chewy, or easy to swallow whole.

Q: Is Apricot a choking hazard?

Apricot is rated High choking risk. Apricots contain a hard pit and can be slippery or firm if underripe. Always remove the pit completely. Serve only very ripe, soft apricot as mashed fruit, large pitted halves, thin slices, or small soft pieces based on age. Avoid firm fruit, dried apricots for younger babies, and any piece that is hard, chewy, or easy to swallow whole.

Q: Is Apricot a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. Use extra caution if your child has reacted to other stone fruits like peach, plum, or cherry, or has pollen-related oral itching with fruits. If offering dried apricot, check labels for sulfites.

About Apricot

Apricot is a small stone fruit with soft, juicy flesh and a sweet-tart flavor. When fully ripe, it can be a lovely fruit for babies because it is naturally soft, easy to mash, and simple to serve in safe shapes once the pit is removed. Apricots provide vitamin A for eye and skin health, vitamin C to support immune function and help with iron absorption, and potassium for fluid balance and muscle function. They also contain fiber, which can help support digestion and may be especially helpful when your child needs fruits that add moisture and variety to meals. Apricot is not a common allergen, but reactions can happen, especially in children with pollen-food syndrome or sensitivities to other stone fruits such as peach, plum, or cherry. Dried apricots can also sometimes contain sulfites, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Always remove the pit, and avoid offering firm underripe fruit or large slippery pieces. Most babies can start apricot from 6 months old if it is very ripe and soft. Begin with mashed apricot or large pitted halves for self-feeding. As your baby develops chewing skills and a pincer grasp, move to thin slices and then small soft pieces. Whole apricots should wait until toddlerhood and still require close supervision because of the pit and biting risk.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Mashed apricot or a soft ripe pitted half

Offer mashed ripe apricot on a spoon or let baby self-feed with a very soft, ripe apricot half after removing the pit completely. If the skin seems tough, peel it first.

9+ months

Thin soft slices

Serve very ripe apricot in thin soft slices once your baby is working on a pincer grasp. Avoid slippery large chunks and discard any firm peel or fibrous parts if needed.

12+ months

Small soft pieces or slices

Offer bite-sized soft pieces or slices of ripe apricot. Continue to avoid firm fruit and always check carefully that no pit fragments remain.

18+ months

Soft pieces; dried apricot only if finely chopped and well chewed

Offer soft fresh apricot pieces regularly. Dried apricot is much chewier and should only be offered in very small chopped pieces if your toddler chews well and is closely supervised.

24+ months

Whole ripe apricot with pit removed

A whole ripe apricot can be offered once your toddler reliably takes small bites. Remove the pit first and supervise closely, since the fruit can still be slippery and easy to overstuff.

Pairs well with

Plain full-fat yogurtOatmealCottage cheeseRicottaPeachPearChickenLentilsCinnamonAlmond butter thinned with yogurt or water for older babies already introduced to tree nuts

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

Apricots contain a hard pit and can be slippery or firm if underripe. Always remove the pit completely. Serve only very ripe, soft apricot as mashed fruit, large pitted halves, thin slices, or small soft pieces based on age. Avoid firm fruit, dried apricots for younger babies, and any piece that is hard, chewy, or easy to swallow whole.

What to watch for

Rash or hivesSwelling of lips, face, or tongueItching, tingling, or burning in the mouthVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

✓Remove the pit completely before serving

✓Choose very ripe, soft apricots

✓Avoid firm or underripe fruit

✓Mash or cut into age-appropriate pieces

✓Be cautious with dried apricots, which are chewy and higher choking risk

✓Ensure baby is sitting upright

✓Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store ripe whole apricots in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days. Once cut, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days.

ⓘ

Freeze pitted apricot halves, slices, or purée in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Provides vitamin A for eye and skin health
Contains vitamin C to support immune function and iron absorption
Offers fiber to support healthy digestion
Provides potassium for muscle and nerve function
High water content can help with hydration

Not a significant source of protein
Contains very little fat
Fresh apricots are not especially high in iron or zinc
Dried apricots are more concentrated in sugar and can be chewy

Key nutrients

Vitamin A

Supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function

Vitamin C

Supports immune health and helps the body absorb iron

Potassium

Supports muscle, nerve, and fluid balance

Nutrition facts

Calories	48kcal
Protein	1.4g
Carbs	11.1g
Fat	0.4g
Fiber	2.0g
Sugar	9.2g
Iron	0.4mg
Calcium	13.0mg
Potassium	259mg
Vitamin C	10mg
Vitamin A	96.0µg
Folate	9µg
Zinc	0.20mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Apricot?

Most babies can start Apricot from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Apricots contain a hard pit and can be slippery or firm if underripe. Always remove the pit completely. Serve only very ripe, soft apricot as mashed fruit, large pitted halves, thin slices, or small soft pieces based on age. Avoid firm fruit, dried apricots for younger babies, and any piece that is hard, chewy, or easy to swallow whole.

Is Apricot a choking hazard?

Apricot is rated High choking risk. Apricots contain a hard pit and can be slippery or firm if underripe. Always remove the pit completely. Serve only very ripe, soft apricot as mashed fruit, large pitted halves, thin slices, or small soft pieces based on age. Avoid firm fruit, dried apricots for younger babies, and any piece that is hard, chewy, or easy to swallow whole.

Is Apricot a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. Use extra caution if your child has reacted to other stone fruits like peach, plum, or cherry, or has pollen-related oral itching with fruits. If offering dried apricot, check labels for sulfites.