Apricot
Fruit
Is Apricot Safe for Babies?
Yes, babies can eat apricots starting at around 6 months if they are very soft, ripe, or cooked until soft.
At a Glance
Apricots are high in fiber, which helps keep bowel movements regular and supports healthy digestion. They also have natural sorbitol content and vitamin A–rich antioxidants that can soften stool and support the gut lining.
How Do You Serve Apricot?
- 1Choose a very ripe apricot, cut it in half and remove the pit; press the flesh gently — it should be soft enough to mash between your fingers so baby can gum it easily.
- 2Leave the skin on to give the baby something to hold, or peel it if the skin feels tough or papery.
- 3If the piece feels slippery, roll it in shredded coconut or finely ground nuts/seeds to add traction and help your baby keep hold.
- 4If the baby struggles with the piece, mash the apricot and stir into porridge, yogurt, or a puree for safer, spoon-fed eating.
Is Apricot a Common Allergen?
Apricots are not one of the common top-9 food allergens, but some children (especially those with birch‑pollen or “stone‑fruit” sensitivities) can get oral allergy syndrome — itching or tingling in the mouth and throat after eating fresh apricot. Dried apricots are often treated with sulfites (sulfur dioxide) which can trigger reactions or asthma in sulfite‑sensitive children, so always check labels. Do not give apricot kernels (the pit) to children — they contain cyanogenic compounds and are unsafe to eat. If in doubt or if a child has pollen allergies or asthma, introduce apricot cautiously and consult your pediatrician/allergist.
What Nutrients Does Apricot Have?
Apricots are low‑calorie, hydrating fruits that provide carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and several vitamins important for infants—particularly vitamin A (supports vision and immune development), vitamin C (helps iron absorption), vitamin E, and B6. Their fiber and natural sugars can help relieve constipation and provide quick energy, while vitamin C supports iron uptake from complementary foods. Fresh apricots are unlikely to cause nutrient excess when offered in age‑appropriate portions, but dried apricots are concentrated in sugar and fiber (and pose a choking risk), so offer sparingly and modify texture for young children.
Is Apricot a Choking Hazard?
Low Choking Risk
Apricots pose a choking risk because of their hard pit and because the flesh can be slippery or firm, especially when underripe. Dried apricots are also challenging to chew and increase choking risk. Stay within arm’s reach and be ready to respond quickly if your child gags or has trouble breathing.
Have More Questions?
Yes. Apricots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but for longer storage, freeze pureed apricot in airtight containers, which can last for several months.
Yes. You can freeze apricot puree in individual portions, such as ice cube trays, for easy thawing and serving as your baby transitions to new textures.
It depends. Organic apricots are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but they can be more expensive; conventional apricots are widely available and safe as well.
Yes. You can combine apricot with other fruits like banana, pear, or berries to introduce a variety of flavors and textures in your baby's diet.
Portion sizes vary based on your baby's age and development, but start with 1-2 teaspoons of pureed apricot and gradually increase as tolerated.
Is Apricot safe for your baby?
Get personalized guidance on introducing Apricot — with prep tips, allergen alerts, and age-specific serving ideas.
Sources
- Identification of four IgE-reactive proteins in raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52:1497-1506. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Allergy to grapes. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2000;84(2):265. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Gibberellin-regulated protein allergy. Allergology International. 2020;69(1):11–18. DOI:10.1016/j.alit.2019.10.017 doi.org
- Occupational Allergy to Peach (Prunus persica) Tree Pollen and Potential Cross-Reactivity between Rosaceae Family Pollens. Iranian Journal of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. 2015;14(5):483-492. ijaai.tums.ac.ir
- Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) Defined — American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. aaaai.org
What Other Fruit Can Babies Eat?
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Backed by Science
Data you can trust.
Every food, guideline, and recommendation in Tummi is sourced from leading health institutions and peer-reviewed research.
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDevelopmental milestones, nutrition guidelines, and allergen introduction timelines.
American Academy of PediatricsEvidence-based feeding recommendations from the leading pediatric authority.
National Institutes of HealthPeer-reviewed research on infant nutrition, allergies, and food safety.