Can Babies Eat Strawberries?
Yes. Babies can have strawberries from around 6 months, mashed or cut small. Whole strawberries are a choking risk, so prepare them well. Strawberries can leave a harmless red rash around the mouth, which is not the same as a true allergy.
Strawberries are sweet, full of vitamin C and easy to prepare. The two things to watch are their firm shape, which can be a choking risk, and the harmless red rash they sometimes leave around the mouth. This guide covers when to start, how to serve them and a quick recipe.
What is a strawberry?
A strawberry is a soft, red fruit known for its sweet smell and taste. The small seeds sit on the outside of the fruit rather than inside. Strawberries are eaten fresh, cooked and in many desserts.
Strawberries have a sharp edge to their sweetness, so they pair well with mild foods. Mash them into yogurt, or mix them with sweeter fruit such as banana.
Strawberry nutrition for babies
Strawberries are low in calories and high in vitamin C. They also add a little fibre and folate.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (raw) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 32 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 7.7 g |
| of which sugars | 4.9 g |
| Fibre | 2.0 g |
| Protein | 0.7 g |
| Vitamin C | 58.8 mg |
| Folate | 24 mcg |
Values for raw strawberries. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
When can babies eat strawberries?
Strawberries can start from around 6 months. Prepare them to match your baby's stage so they are easy and safe to eat:
Mash ripe strawberries well, or offer a whole large strawberry with the top removed for your baby to gnaw, watching closely.
Cut strawberries into small pieces or thin slices that are easy to pick up and chew.
Most toddlers can manage quartered strawberries. Keep cutting them small until your child chews well. Blackberries are softer and need less cutting.
Tip: the red rash some babies get around the mouth after strawberries comes from the fruit's acidity, not an allergy. A thin layer of plain barrier cream around the mouth before eating can help.
Health benefits of strawberries for babies
Vitamin C
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron.
Fibre
The fibre in strawberries supports healthy digestion and adds bulk to your baby's meals.
Antioxidants
The red colour comes from natural plant compounds that act as antioxidants in the body.
Because strawberries pack plenty of vitamin C, they work well served next to iron-rich foods. Mix them into oatmeal or blend them with other soft berries such as blueberries.
How to serve strawberries safely
Do
- Wash strawberries and remove the green tops.
- Mash them or cut them small for young babies.
- Choose ripe, soft berries.
- Offer them on their own the first time.
Avoid
- Whole strawberries for young babies.
- Adding sugar or dipping them in chocolate.
- Firm, under-ripe berries.
- Leaving your baby to eat alone.
Risks and safety
Strawberries are not one of the major food allergens, and the red rash many babies get around the mouth is a contact reaction from the acidity rather than a true allergy. It usually fades on its own. A real allergy is uncommon but possible, so watch for any wider reaction. Apricots can leave a similar harmless patch.
When to get help: a mild mouth rash is common and harmless, but hives, swelling of the face, vomiting or any breathing trouble need urgent medical care. For guidance on introducing foods, see the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Easy strawberry recipe (6 months)
Strawberry and yogurt baby mash
Makes 2 baby portions, from 6 monthsIngredients
- 3 ripe strawberries
- 3 tbsp plain whole milk yogurt
Method
- Wash the strawberries and remove the green tops.
- Mash them well with a fork, or blend for a smoother texture.
- Stir the mashed strawberry through the yogurt and serve straight away.
Strawberry FAQ
When can babies eat strawberries?
Babies can have strawberries from around 6 months. Mash them or cut them small, since whole strawberries are a choking risk. Some parents wait a little longer because strawberries can leave a harmless rash around the mouth.
Why do strawberries cause a rash around the mouth?
Strawberries are acidic, and that can leave a red patch around a baby's mouth on contact. This is not the same as a true allergy and usually fades on its own. If you see hives, swelling or breathing trouble, get medical help.
Are strawberries a choking hazard?
Whole strawberries are firm and round, so they can be a choking risk. Mash them for young babies, or cut them into small pieces or thin slices for older babies.
Are strawberries healthy for babies?
Yes. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which helps the body take up iron, and they add fibre. Serve them plain, without added sugar.
Sources
- Strawberry, Wikipedia.
- FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Starting Solid Foods, American Academy of Pediatrics.
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.
