Kiwi, or kiwifruit, is a delicious new taste and texture for baby to experience! Here are the best ways to cut kiwi for baby led weaning.

If you love kiwi, you probably want to share with your little one when he or she starts solids. This is easy and fun if you're using a baby led weaning approach. While kiwi can be unfamiliar for some parents to serve (and eat!), rest assured, it's easy to serve to BLW babies! Here's how to prepare kiwi so that even the littlest eaters can enjoy it.
Can Babies Have Kiwi?
Yes! Babies can eat kiwi, also sometimes called kiwifruit, as soon as they are developmentally ready for solids around 6 months of age. It is easiest for young babies (around 6 months) if they are using a baby led weaning (or self feeding) approach, or babies who are already in the finger food stage, since little preparation is required to serve it as a finger food.
Is Kiwi Healthy For Babies?
Kiwi is very nutritious for little ones (and grown-ups, too!). Kiwi is a good source of:
- Fiber (both soluble and insoluble) - good for baby's digestion and gut health
- Vitamin C - helps aid absorption of iron
- Vitamin E - good for the immune system and acts as an antioxidant
- Folate - Essential for formation of new red blood cells, which happens often as baby is growing!
- Potassium - aids in healthy blood pressure, muscle, and nervous system function
- Antioxidants and other bioactive compounds - including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and pro-digestive compounds
How To Cut Kiwi For Baby Led Weaning
Kiwi is great because it doesn't need much preparation. It can be served raw - just make sure it is soft enough for baby to mash between his gums. Simply cut and serve! There are several ways to cut kiwi for baby led weaning. You can switch it up, depending on how much trouble your little one has with gripping the slippery fruit.
1. Whole, either peeled or with skin on half (6 + months)
A whole kiwi is easiest for young babies to pick up and nibble on. If baby has trouble with the slippery fruit, leaving the peel on half gives baby something to grip. Just make sure to wash it first!
2. Sliced vertically, peeled or unpeeled (6 + months)
Slice into wedges from top to bottom. Peel or leave the skin on for easier gripping. Baby will eat the fruit and leave the skin. If he does manage to bite off a chunk with skin, remain calm and coach baby to spit the skin out, then remove it from the tray.
3. Sliced into very thin rounds (6 + months)
Slice peeled kiwi into very thin (less than ¼-inch) rounds. As with all methods of serving, be sure the kiwi is very soft!
4. Cut into bite sized pieces (9+ months)
Once baby has a pincer grasp, you can cut kiwi into bite-sized pieces. You can try giving a soft fork for practice at this point. Little pieces of slippery kiwi can be difficult for babies to pick up, so you can always continue to serve kiwi in one of the above methods if little pieces are too frustrating.
5. Rolled in something for texture (6 + months)
With any of these cutting methods, you can roll the kiwi in something to make gripping easier. Some ideas for adding texture include seeds, such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, or sesame seeds; crushed cheerios, coconut, or nuts.
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FAQ
While not a top choking risk, kiwi can be firm if it is not ripe enough, and slippery, which can increase the risk of choking. Always be sure kiwi is soft and ripe - it should be soft enough that you can smush it between your index finger and thumb - and that you're cutting it in age appropriate ways.
While kiwi is not a common food allergen, it is possible and seems to be on the rise. Some individuals also may have a sensitivity to the enzyme actinidin in kiwi. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome and latex fruit syndrome may also react to kiwi.
Yes, kiwi seeds are perfectly safe to eat, including for babies.
Yes, the skin on all varieties of kiwi, including the fuzzy skin of green kiwi and the smooth skin of golden kiwi, is edible and provides fiber and antioxidants. For babies, the skin is too tough to chew, but can be good for babies to grip. Make sure to wash the outside of the kiwi before eating or cutting!
No, kiwi does not need to be cooked for babies. Just make sure it is ripe enough that it is very soft.
Yes, kiwi is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber and can help with constipation and digestive regularity.
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