How To Serve Apple For Babies

This might surprise you, but raw and dried apple is one of the top choking risks for young children. Apple can be offered from around 6 months, but it needs to be prepared carefully to make it safe.

Can babies eat apple?

Yes. Babies can eat apple from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. It should be cooked until soft for younger babies.

Is apple an allergen?

No. Apple is not a common allergen.

Is apple a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Raw and dried apple are high choking risks due to their firm texture.

To reduce risk:

• Cook apple until very soft for younger babies
• Avoid raw apple in early stages
• Avoid dried apple
• Test softness using the “squish test”

Apple should squash easily between your fingers before serving.

How to serve apple for babies

6–9 months

• Large wedges of soft cooked apple
• Pureed apple
• Mashed apple

Rolling wedges in coconut, almond meal or flax meal can help with grip.

Preloading a spoon with puree or mash is also a great way to support self-feeding.

9+ months

You can serve it raw from this age but grated. A great way to starting to get them comfortable with raw food textures in a safe way. Smaller pieces of soft cooked apple are also okay.

12+ months

From around this age, you can offer raw apple if you slice it very thinly (think paper thin!)

2 years+

Raw quartered apple after 2 years, but ensure a safe eating environment and teach your little one to chew, chew, chew their food properly! Whole apple can be safer to offer before quarters, as it is harder for them to bite off large pieces. Again, be guided by what your bub is ready for but many consider whole apples safe to offer somewhere between 18-24 months. 

Nutritional benefits of apple for babies

Apples are rich in fibre and antioxidants, supporting digestion and overall health.

Easy ways to offer apple

• Stewed apple
• Mixed into porridge or yoghurt
• Added to muffins or pancakes
• Served alongside meals
• Mashed and spread on toast

Frequently asked questions

Can babies eat raw apple?
Not in early stages. Raw apple is a choking risk until chewing skills are well developed.

Is stewed apple safe for babies?
Yes, as long as it is soft enough to squash easily.

Can babies eat apple skin?
For younger babies, it’s best removed or softened with cooking.

Is dried apple safe for babies?
No, dried apple is a choking hazard.

Expert tip

While apple is a great food to include in bubs diet, remember that one medium apple is 1 serve of fruit and for toddlers between 1-2 years of age ½ serve of fruit is recommended per day. Look at adding some nut butter or yogurt with the apple to pump up the nutrition of the snack or meal.