Learn how to safely serve apples as a finger food or mash using a baby led weaning approach for babies as young as 6 months in this guide to apples for BLW.
Apples are one of the most common fruits for kids here in the US - mostly because they are affordable, recognizable, and don't spoil too quickly. Apples are great to introduce at an early age - but they must be served the right way to prevent choking. Read on for safe ways to serve apples for baby led weaning babies!
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When Can Babies Have Apples?
Babies can have apples as soon as they are developmentally ready for solids, usually around 6 months of age. BUT no raw apples before 9 months, please! Pieces of raw apple are one of the leading choking risks for babies and toddlers. Apples can be served to babies cooked to a soft texture, or in other safe ways - keep reading for more specific examples for all ages of babies.
Read More: Safety Tips for Baby Led Weaning
Health Benefits of Apples for Babies
Apples are full of water and fiber, which is great for babies' digestion. They contain the soluble fiber pectin, which could help improve the gut health of your little one. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C, which can help babies absorb iron from plant foods, as well as antioxidants. Because apples are naturally sweet, they are a great way to sweeten foods without sugar.
How To Serve Apples for Baby Led Weaning
In order for apples to be safe for baby, they must be cooked soft! (Read more about appropriate texture for baby led weaning.)
1. Sliced and Steamed (6 months)
Peel, slice and steam apples in a steamer basket until they are soft enough that they can be smashed easily between your fingers, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Sliced and Sautéd (6 months)
Peel and slice apples and sauté them in a bit of butter or oil until soft enough to smash, about 5-8 minutes, adding a sprinkle of water if needed. Try adding cinnamon for more flavor! (Grab the full recipe for my cinnamon sautéd apples here.)
3. Cooked and Cut Into Pieces (9-12 months)
Once baby has started developing the pincer grasp (around 9 months), you can serve apple in small bite-sized pieces, but it still needs to be cooked soft.
4. Cooked and Mashed or Pureed (or Applesauce)
Steam, sauté, or boil apples until soft and mash or puree. You can give baby mashed or pureed apple on a pre-loaded soft spoon, or in a bowl and let them get messy!
5. Grated
This is the one way raw apple can be served to babies. Finely grate apple with a box grater.
BLW Friendly Apple Recipes
- Cinnamon Sautéd Apples for Babies (pictured)
- Apple Oat Pancakes for Baby and Toddler
- Baby and Toddler Carrot Apple Breakfast Cookies
- Sweet Potato Apple Fritters by Kidgredients
- Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bites by Feeding Tiny Bellies (omit the maple syrup)
- Baked Apples by Creative Nourish
Track your baby's journey through starting solids! Get my 100 First Foods Checklist and Allergen Checklist Bundle today!
FAQ
Yes. Raw pieces of apple are a top choking hazard for babies and toddlers. It is important for apples to be served in a safe way for babies, regardless of feeding method.
No, apples are not a common allergen. Rarely, they may cause a minor skin reaction where the raw apple comes into contact with the skin (called oral allergy syndrome).
If you feel comfortable at 12-14 months, you can start offering raw apple in the form of super-thin matchsticks. Be sure to monitor how your child handles them.
Around 18-24 months, you can give your child whole raw apple to try. This is safer than apple slices since your child can use his teeth to scrape off smaller bites than if he were to bite into thick slices. Always supervise your child with any food and make sure he is sitting down while eating. Intervene as needed if your child struggles with raw apple.
Slices of apples can be offered in accordance with your child's eating skills, but it may be around 3-4 years of age before slices of apple are appropriate.
I don't recommend giving fruit juice to babies under 12 months. Read more about juice for babies here.
Archana says
Why we shouldn’t give freshly prepared fruit juices under 1year old babies?
Could you explain it?
Kaleigh says
Under 1 year, the only drinks babies should have are breastmilk/formula or water, with water given mainly at mealtime. Because their bellies are so tiny, we want them getting the most nutrient dense foods possible, which would be breastmilk or formula at this point. Juice is high in sugar and can push out other more nutritious foods.