Baby-led weaning · age-specific guide
Apple for 12–24 months
Babies can be introduced to apple from around 6 months of age, as soon as they are ready to start solid foods. Because raw apple is firm and can break into hard chunks, it must be served very soft or modified appropriately for younger babies to reduce choking risk. Always ensure apples are ripe and prepared safely according to your baby's stage of development.
How to serve at 12–24 months
As chewing skills improve, you can begin offering thin slices of raw apple if your child demonstrates good chewing ability, though many children will still find very soft cooked apple easier to manage. Cut raw apple into thin, wide slices rather than small chunks, and continue halving or quartering any round pieces for safety. Always supervise closely, as raw apple remains a choking hazard even for older toddlers.
Nutrition highlights
Apples provide dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation in babies. They also contain vitamin C, which aids iron absorption and supports immune function. While apples are nutritious, they are not a significant source of iron or protein, so it's important to offer them alongside foods that provide these key nutrients.
Medium-risk prep checks
Apple carries a medium choking risk because raw apple is firm and can break off into hard pieces that are difficult for babies to chew and may block the airway. Cooking apple until very soft or offering it grated significantly reduces this risk.
Allergen introduction checklist
Apple is not considered a common allergen and allergic reactions are rare. Some children with birch pollen allergy may develop oral allergy syndrome when eating raw apple, which can cause mild itching or tingling around the mouth.
Common questions
Can I give my baby raw apple?
Raw apple should only be offered to babies once they can bite and chew it safely, typically from around 12 months or when they have developed strong chewing skills. For younger babies, cook apple until very soft or offer it grated.
Do I need to peel apples for my baby?
Remove the skin if it is tough or thick, as it can be difficult for younger babies to manage. As your baby's chewing skills develop, you can leave the skin on if the apple is very soft and ripe.
What is the safest way to serve apple to a 6-month-old?
For 6-month-olds, steam or bake apple slices until they are very soft and easy to squash between your fingers. Offer thick wedges or wide slices that are easy for baby to grasp and gnaw on safely.
General feeding checklist
- Seat baby upright and stable for all meals.
- Model slow chewing and allow baby to control pace.
- Stop and reset if baby is upset, tired, or over-stuffed.
Readiness signs to check
- Baby can sit upright with minimal support during meals.
- Hands and mouth coordinate for bringing food to the mouth.
- Tongue-thrust reflex is reduced, so food is not immediately pushed out.
- Interest in self-feeding and opening mouth for food cues is visible.
Pause and seek advice if
- Coughing is persistent or distress does not settle quickly during meals.
- You notice repeated vomiting, rash, swelling, wheeze, or breathing changes after a food.
- Baby struggles with swallowing progression over multiple meals despite texture adjustments.
- There is a known medical condition affecting feeding, growth, or airway safety.
Other ages: 6–8 months · 9–11 months