Apricots may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solid foods, which is generally around 6 months of age. Choose apricots that are very ripe and soft to the touch, as firm or underripe apricots can be too hard for young babies to safely manage. Always ensure the fruit is prepared appropriately for your baby's age and developmental stage.
Apricots are a good source of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin development in babies. They also provide fibre to support healthy digestion, as well as vitamin C and potassium. The natural sugars in apricots offer energy, while their soft texture makes them an accessible fruit option for early eaters.
When properly prepared, apricots present a low choking risk because ripe fruit is soft and easy for babies to gum and break down. The key is to ensure the apricot is truly ripe and yielding, and to offer it in age-appropriate sizes that prevent whole pieces from blocking the airway.
Apricots are not considered a common allergen and are not among the top foods associated with allergic reactions. Allergies to apricot are rare, though they can occur, particularly in individuals with pollen-food allergy syndrome or sensitivities to other stone fruits.
Detailed prep guidance tailored to each stage.
Choose apricots that are very ripe and soft, then cut them in half and remove the stone. Serve a whole half with the skin on as a handle, or cut into wide wedges that your baby can grasp in their palm with some fruit sticking out to gnaw on. If the skin is tough, blanch the apricot briefly in boiling water and peel it before serving.
Continue to offer ripe, soft apricots, now cut into smaller pieces or strips that your baby can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. You can cut a halved apricot into quarters or thick slices, ensuring pieces are large enough to handle but soft enough to gum. If the apricot is small and round, quarter it lengthwise to reduce any round shape that could pose a risk.
Serve ripe apricots cut into bite-sized pieces that are easy for your toddler to chew and swallow. Continue to halve or quarter small round fruits to reduce choking risk, and ensure the fruit remains soft and ripe. At this age, most toddlers can manage small chunks or slices, but always supervise during eating.
