How To Serve Oranges For Babies

Oranges are a sweet, tart and juicy fruit that can be offered from around 6 months. Their flavour can vary depending on season and variety, so it’s normal for your baby to like them one day and refuse them the next.

Can babies eat oranges?

Yes. Babies can eat oranges from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. They need to be prepared appropriately to reduce choking risk.

Is orange an allergen?

No. Oranges are not a common allergen.

However, the acidity in citrus fruits can cause a contact rash on your baby’s skin. Using a barrier cream can help protect the skin if needed.

Is orange a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Oranges can be a choking risk due to the membrane and segment structure.

To reduce risk:

• Remove seeds
• Consider removing the membrane for younger babies
• Avoid large segments with tough membrane
• Cut into age-appropriate pieces

How to serve oranges for babies

6–9 months

• Large wedge with peel on (washed well, seeds removed)
• Supremed orange (membrane removed)
• Soft, juicy flesh pieces

Removing the membrane makes it easier for babies to manage.

For this technique, you cut off the top and bottom of the orange before cutting off the skin. You then cut out the wedge of flesh between the white lines (membrane).

9-18 months

• You will most likely still need to remove the membrane as they are learning to chew food well.
• You can offer smaller pieces as they get better at chewing and as that pincer grip develops.
• As they get better at ripping and biting with their teeth, you will likely want to avoid the rind too.
• As they get closer to 18 months and better at chewing tougher foods leaving the membrane on is okay. As with most foods, what each child is ready for will vary a lot. Be guided by your bub's skills and development.

18-24 months +

• You can offer large pieces of the orange with the membrane and pith once they are confident chewers.
• Can offer with or without rind on.

Nutritional benefits of oranges for babies

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and helps with iron absorption. They also provide fibre, which supports digestion and bowel health.

Easy ways to offer oranges

• Serve alongside iron-rich meals
• Add fresh juice to meals
• Offer as a snack or side
• Mix into fruit bowls

Frequently asked questions

Can oranges help with iron absorption?
Yes, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from other foods.

Can oranges cause a rash in babies?
Yes, the acidity can cause a contact rash, which is not the same as an allergy.

Do I need to remove the membrane?
Yes for younger babies, as it can be difficult to chew.

Can babies eat orange peel?
Younger babies can hold wedges with peel on, but eating the peel is not necessary.

Expert tip

Serving orange alongside iron-rich foods like meat or legumes is an easy way to boost iron absorption in your baby’s meals.