Can Babies Eat Apple?
By Sarah, founder of SowAndSpoon · Reviewed April 2026
Yes, safe from 6 months
Choking risk: medium
Raw apple is a common choking hazard for babies. Always cook apples until soft for babies under 12 months. Grated raw apple can be introduced after 9 months with supervision, but steamed or baked is always safest.
Not a common allergen
Babies can eat apple from 6 months. Apples provide vitamin C, fiber (especially pectin, a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria), and quercetin, an antioxidant. Leave the peel on when pureeing for babies over 8 months to get the full fiber benefit.
Flavor guide
Raw apple is crisp and juicy with a sweet-tart flavor that varies by variety, from the sharp brightness of a Granny Smith to the honeyed sweetness of a Fuji. Cooking transforms the texture into a soft, yielding flesh and concentrates the sweetness while mellowing the tartness. It pairs naturally with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, butter, pork, sweet potato, and butternut squash.
How to Prepare Apple by Age
Peel, core, and steam until very soft (10-15 minutes). Mash or puree. Do not offer raw apple under 12 months, it is a leading choking hazard even when grated.
Serving ideas:
- -Peel, core, and steam until very soft, then serve as thick wedges
- -Bake apple halves until soft and mash with cinnamon
- -Steam and blend into a smooth applesauce with a pinch of cardamom
Steam until fork-tender, cut into bite-size pieces. Roasted apple (375F for 20 minutes) gets naturally sweet and very soft.
Serving ideas:
- -Grate raw apple finely and mix into oatmeal or yogurt (peel on for fiber)
- -Dice soft-cooked apple and mix with cottage cheese or ricotta
- -Saute diced apple with a pat of butter and cinnamon until golden
Thin raw slices for confident chewers with the peel and core removed. Baked apples with cinnamon. Applesauce for all ages.
Serving ideas:
- -Serve thin raw apple slices (peel on, cut thinly enough to be flexible)
- -Make baked apple slices with cinnamon as a warm snack
- -Add finely diced raw apple to overnight oats or pancake batter
Can You Freeze Apple for Baby?
Peel, core, and slice. Blanch for 2 minutes to stop browning, cool in ice water, freeze flat on a tray, then bag. Use in smoothies, baked oatmeal, or cook from frozen into applesauce.
Blanch for 2 minutes before freezing. Keeps for up to 12 months.
Batch prep tip
Core and dice a batch of apples, steam until soft, and freeze in ice cube portions. Use as a base for applesauce, mix into oatmeal, or stir into savory dishes like pork or squash. Keeps 4 months.
Cinnamon Applesauce
From 6 monthsIngredients
- -3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- -1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- -2 tbsp water
Steps
- Combine apple pieces, cinnamon, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are completely soft and begin to break down.
- Mash with a fork for a chunky texture or blend smooth for younger babies.
- Let cool before serving.
Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 4 months. Stir into oatmeal, mix with butternut squash puree, or serve plain on a spoon.
Growing Apple at Home
IMPORTANT: Raw apple is a leading choking hazard for children under 4. Always cook apple thoroughly before 12 months. Cooked apple is excellent, sweet, mild, and boosts iron absorption when paired with iron-rich foods. Most varieties require two trees for cross-pollination. Dwarf varieties work in large containers.
Ready in ~100-150 days from planting.
Apples are a popular first food but are on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen pesticide list. Growing your own or choosing organic is especially worthwhile for a food you will use every week.
Per AAP and WHO guidelines, most fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be introduced from 6 months as part of complementary feeding. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods, especially allergens.