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Offer ripe, very soft figs cut in half lengthwise to create a large handle your baby can hold in their fist, or serve wide wedges with the skin removed if it is tough. The soft, tender flesh should yield easily to gentle pressure and be easy for your baby to gum. You can also mash ripe fig and serve it on a preloaded spoon or spread thinly on toast strips.
Continue offering ripe, soft figs cut into strips or flattened pieces that are easy for your baby to pick up with a developing pincer grasp. You may also offer quartered figs lengthwise, ensuring each piece is soft enough to squash easily between your fingers. Remove any tough skin if necessary, and supervise closely as your baby practises biting and chewing.
Serve ripe figs cut into bite-sized pieces that are soft and easy to chew, continuing to halve or quarter round or spherical figs to reduce choking risk. As your toddler's chewing skills improve, you can offer slightly larger pieces, but always ensure the fruit is soft and supervise mealtimes. Fresh figs can also be added to porridge, yoghurt, or served alongside other finger foods.
Figs are a good source of dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation in babies. They also provide small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, minerals that support bone development and overall growth. Fresh figs contain natural sugars alongside beneficial antioxidants and phytonutrients that contribute to a varied and nourishing diet.
Figs are not a common allergen and are generally well tolerated by babies. Whilst rare, allergic reactions to figs can occur, particularly in individuals with oral allergy syndrome or sensitivity to birch pollen, so watch for signs such as rash, itching, or swelling around the mouth.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/fig