Plum for babies: when and how to serve

Q: When can babies eat Plum?

Most babies can start Plum from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Always remove the pit before serving. Offer plum only when very ripe and soft. For younger babies, serve mashed, peeled soft wedges, or a large pitted half for resistive chewing. For older babies and toddlers, offer thin slices or small soft pieces. Avoid firm, underripe plum and avoid whole plum until your toddler can reliably manage the pit risk with close supervision.

Q: Is Plum a choking hazard?

Plum is rated High choking risk. Always remove the pit before serving. Offer plum only when very ripe and soft. For younger babies, serve mashed, peeled soft wedges, or a large pitted half for resistive chewing. For older babies and toddlers, offer thin slices or small soft pieces. Avoid firm, underripe plum and avoid whole plum until your toddler can reliably manage the pit risk with close supervision.

Q: Is Plum a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. If your child has birch pollen allergy, oral allergy symptoms, or reactions to other stone fruits like peach, cherry, apricot, or nectarine, introduce plum with extra caution.

About Plum

Plum is a juicy stone fruit with sweet-tart flesh that can be a refreshing option for babies once it is fully ripe and soft. Its high water content and naturally soft interior make it useful for adding variety to fruit intake, especially for babies who enjoy juicy textures. Plums provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They can help support hydration and healthy digestion, and some babies may find plums helpful when stools are firm or infrequent. Like many fruits, plums are low in protein and fat, so they are best served alongside other foods that provide iron, protein, and healthy fats. Plum is not a common allergen, but reactions can happen, especially in children with pollen-food syndrome or sensitivity to other stone fruits such as peach, cherry, apricot, or nectarine. The pit is a serious choking hazard, and the fruit's slippery skin and firm flesh when underripe can also make it harder for babies to manage safely. Most babies can start plum from 6 months old if it is very ripe, pitted, and served in a safe shape. Younger babies do best with mashed plum, peeled soft wedges, or a large pitted half to gnaw. As chewing skills improve, you can move to thin slices and small soft pieces. Whole plums should wait until toddlerhood and still require close supervision.

How to serve by age

6+ months

Mashed plum, peeled soft wedges, or a large pitted half

Offer very ripe plum with the pit removed. You can mash the flesh, serve peeled soft wedges, or offer a large pitted half for baby to hold and gnaw. If slippery, lightly coat with finely ground oats or unsweetened coconut only if these foods have already been introduced safely.

9+ months

Thin slices or small peeled soft pieces

Serve very ripe plum as thin slices or small soft pieces once your baby is developing a pincer grasp. Peel if the skin is tough or causing the fruit to slip around in the mouth.

12+ months

Bite-sized soft pieces

Offer bite-sized soft pieces of ripe plum with the pit removed. Encourage small bites and chewing well while seated and supervised.

18+ months

Whole very ripe plum with pit removed or closely managed

A whole very ripe plum may be offered only if the pit has been removed first. If serving with the pit still inside is part of family eating, stay within arm's reach and actively teach your toddler how to spit out or avoid the pit.

Pairs well with

Plain full-fat yogurtOatmealRicotta cheeseCottage cheeseChia pudding for older babies and toddlersChicken or turkeyPeachPearCinnamon

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

Always remove the pit before serving. Offer plum only when very ripe and soft. For younger babies, serve mashed, peeled soft wedges, or a large pitted half for resistive chewing. For older babies and toddlers, offer thin slices or small soft pieces. Avoid firm, underripe plum and avoid whole plum until your toddler can reliably manage the pit risk with close supervision.

What to watch for

Rash or hivesItching or tingling in the mouthSwelling of lips, face, or tongueVomiting or diarrheaCoughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Safety checklist

Choose a very ripe, soft plum

Wash well and remove the pit completely

Peel if the skin is tough or slippery

Mash or cut into age-appropriate pieces

Do not serve firm or underripe plum

Ensure baby is sitting upright

Never leave baby unattended while eating

Storage & shelf life

ⓘ

Store ripe whole plums 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 plum slices or mashed plum in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Contains vitamin C to support immune health and iron absorption
Provides fiber to support healthy digestion
Has high water content, which can help with hydration
Contains potassium for muscle and nerve function

Low in protein
Contains very little fat
Not a significant source of iron or zinc
Can be slippery and harder to manage safely if underripe

Key nutrients

Vitamin C

Supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron

Fiber

Helps support healthy digestion and softer stools

Potassium

Supports muscle, nerve, and fluid balance

Nutrition facts

Calories	46kcal
Protein	0.7g
Carbs	11.4g
Fat	0.3g
Fiber	1.4g
Sugar	9.9g
Iron	0.2mg
Calcium	6.0mg
Potassium	157mg
Vitamin C	10mg
Vitamin A	17.0µg
Folate	5µg
Zinc	0.10mg

per 100 g

In season

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PeakAvailableLimited

Common questions

When can babies eat Plum?

Most babies can start Plum from around 6+ months, as long as they show signs of readiness for solids. Always remove the pit before serving. Offer plum only when very ripe and soft. For younger babies, serve mashed, peeled soft wedges, or a large pitted half for resistive chewing. For older babies and toddlers, offer thin slices or small soft pieces. Avoid firm, underripe plum and avoid whole plum until your toddler can reliably manage the pit risk with close supervision.

Is Plum a choking hazard?

Plum is rated High choking risk. Always remove the pit before serving. Offer plum only when very ripe and soft. For younger babies, serve mashed, peeled soft wedges, or a large pitted half for resistive chewing. For older babies and toddlers, offer thin slices or small soft pieces. Avoid firm, underripe plum and avoid whole plum until your toddler can reliably manage the pit risk with close supervision.

Is Plum a common allergen?

Offer a small amount the first time and watch for any reaction. If your child has birch pollen allergy, oral allergy symptoms, or reactions to other stone fruits like peach, cherry, apricot, or nectarine, introduce plum with extra caution.