Can Babies Eat Mango?
Yes. Babies can have mango from around 6 months. Use a ripe, soft mango, peel it and remove the stone, then puree it or cut thick strips for baby-led weaning. Mango is sweet, soft and high in vitamin C.
Mango is one of the easiest tropical fruits for babies. A ripe mango is soft, sweet and needs no cooking. The main jobs are to peel it, remove the large stone and cut it to suit your baby's stage. This guide covers when to start, how to serve it and a quick recipe.
What is a mango?
A mango is a sweet, juicy tropical fruit with a single large flat stone in the middle. Ripe mango flesh is orange and soft. Mango is grown across warm parts of the world and is one of the most eaten fruits globally.
Mango is sweet enough to soften sharper foods. Blend it with avocado for a creamy mix, or mash it with banana for a quick tropical meal.
Mango nutrition for babies
Mango is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, and it adds a little fibre.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (raw) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 15.0 g |
| of which sugars | 13.7 g |
| Fibre | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 0.8 g |
| Vitamin C | 36.4 mg |
| Vitamin A | 54 mcg |
Values for raw mango. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
When can babies eat mango?
Mango can start from around 6 months. Match the texture to your baby's stage:
Puree ripe mango smooth, or cut thick strips your baby can hold. Very ripe mango is slippery, so a coating of baby cereal helps.
Offer small, soft, bite-sized pieces of ripe mango as finger food.
Serve soft mango chunks or blend mango into a smoothie, on its own or with apricots. Take care with dried mango, which is firm and chewy.
Tip: a ripe mango gives slightly when pressed and smells sweet at the stem end. A firm mango will be sharp and stringy, so let it ripen at room temperature first.
Health benefits of mango for babies
Vitamin C
Mango is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron.
Vitamin A
Mango provides vitamin A, which the body uses for healthy eyes, skin and growth.
Soft and sweet
Ripe mango is soft and naturally sweet, so most babies take to it easily without any added sugar.
Mango is a good partner for creamy foods. Fold it into yogurt, or explore more first fruits on our fruits guide.
How to serve mango safely
Do
- Use a ripe, soft mango.
- Peel it and remove the large stone.
- Puree or cut thick strips for young babies.
- Serve it fresh.
Avoid
- Leaving the stone in reach, as it is a choking risk.
- Firm, under-ripe mango.
- Dried mango for young babies.
- Adding sugar or honey.
Risks and safety
Mango flesh rarely causes a true allergy. The skin and sap can irritate the skin in some children, so peel it well and wipe your baby's face after eating, as you would with pineapple. Remove the large stone before serving, since it is a choking risk.
Variety matters: the World Health Organization recommends a range of safe, nutritious foods from 6 months, so offer mango alongside vegetables, grains and protein foods.
Easy mango recipe (6 months)
Simple mango puree for baby
Makes 2 baby portions, from 6 monthsIngredients
- 1/2 ripe mango
- 1 tsp breast milk, formula or water (optional)
Method
- Peel the mango and cut the flesh away from the flat stone in the middle.
- Blend or mash the flesh until smooth.
- Loosen with a little milk or water if needed, then serve.
Mango FAQ
When can babies eat mango?
Babies can have mango from around 6 months. Use a ripe, soft mango and puree it, or cut it into thick strips your baby can hold. Always peel it and remove the large stone first.
Is mango good for babies?
Yes. Mango is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, and it is naturally sweet and soft when ripe, which makes it an easy fruit for babies to enjoy.
How do you cut mango for a baby?
Peel the mango and slice the flesh away from the flat stone in the middle. For young babies puree it or cut thick, grippable strips. For older babies cut small, soft pieces.
Can mango cause a reaction in babies?
Mango flesh rarely causes a true allergy, but the skin and sap can irritate the skin in some children, so peel it well. A ripe mango can also leave a mild rash around the mouth, which is usually harmless.
Sources
- Mango, Wikipedia.
- FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Infant and young child feeding, World Health Organization.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different. Talk to your doctor, health visitor or paediatrician about your own baby, and about starting solids or any allergy concerns.
