How To Serve Banana For Babies

When you think of baby foods… you often think banana! One of the most widely consumed foods in the world and an easy, safe option to offer when your bub is starting their solids journey.

It’s not hard to see why bananas are so loved — they’re sweet, flavoursome, come with their own packaging and are incredibly versatile.

Can babies eat banana?

Yes. Babies can eat banana from around 6 months once they are ready for solids. Its naturally soft texture makes it an easy and safe first food.

Is banana an allergen?

No. Banana is not a common allergen.

Is banana a choking hazard for babies?

No. Banana is naturally soft and low risk, but it can be slippery.

To reduce risk:

• Offer in shapes that are easy to grip
• Avoid overly small slippery pieces early on
• Always supervise eating

How to serve banana for babies

6-9 Months

• Puree or fork mash 
• Half a banana sliced into half and then again long ways 
• Spears
• Banana handle (cut an unpeeled banana in half. Then take the peel off about 1/3 of the way down leaving 2/3 of the peel on for bub to hold. This keeps their hands pretty clean too).

From around 9+ months

• As bub gets more confident eating and developing their pincer grip, think about offering smaller bite sized pieces 
• Can still serve it any of the above ways 

9-12 months+

As their chewing gets better, we can move back up towards bigger sized pieces and even offering a whole banana. Just remember that one medium banana is 1 serve of fruit. It is recommended that toddlers have ½ serve of fruit per day. There is nothing wrong with more fruit, it might just fill them up so they don't have as big an opportunity to get all the other foods groups in over the day! Toddlers are busy and can have less of an appetite so we want to optimise meals and snacks to get everything they need in. 

Remember, one medium banana is one serve of fruit. Toddlers only need around ½ serve of fruit per day, so balance across food groups is important.

Nutritional benefits of banana for babies

Bananas are a nutrition powerhouse, providing energy from carbohydrates along with folate, B vitamins, vitamin C and potassium.

Vitamin C supports iron absorption, so offering banana alongside iron-rich foods can help boost iron intake.

Banana and constipation — what you need to know

Banana often gets a bad reputation for causing constipation, but the evidence isn’t clear-cut.

Some individuals might find banana increases constipation. If you suspect this, reduce how much or how often you offer it and see if it makes a difference.

For most babies, banana does not cause constipation. In fact, there is evidence suggesting banana may help bowel movements due to its soluble fibre.

Soluble fibre absorbs fluid in the gut, helping stools stay soft and easier to pass. There is also some evidence that riper bananas may be less constipating.

Constipation is usually multifactorial rather than caused by one food alone.

Easy ways to offer banana

• Serve on its own as finger food
• Add to porridge or yoghurt
• Mash and spread on toast
• Mix into smoothies or baked goods

Frequently asked questions

Does banana cause constipation in babies?
For most babies, no. Some may be more sensitive, but overall banana can support healthy bowel movements.

Is ripe or unripe banana better?
Riper bananas may be less constipating and easier to digest.

Can babies eat banana every day?
Yes, but variety is important to ensure a balanced diet.

Is banana a good first food?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest and safest first foods to offer.

Expert tip

Using the peel as a “handle” is one of the easiest ways to help babies grip banana and self-feed with less mess.