Raw apple is among one of the top choking hazards for children under 3 years old so read on to learn more about how to safely introduce it to babies. 

Apples may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age, as long as the fruit is deseeded, cut in an age-appropriate way, and for young babies, cooked until soft to reduce the risk of choking. Raw apple is among one of the top choking hazards for children under 3 years old, so take care to cut in an age appropriate way.  Check out our age-appropriate serving suggestions to safely introduce apple to babies.

Need ideas for the best first foods for babies? See our guides, such as our 50 Fantastic First Foods for Babies

Apples are one of the world’s most popular fruits—and for good reason. The nutritious fruit thrives in temperate climates around the globe and holds up longer in storage than most fruits. Our planet contains thousands of known apple varieties that range in color and texture, from the sweet Jonagold with bright red skin flecked with gold; to the deep purple Arkansas Black with firm and tart cream-colored flesh; to the beguiling Pink Pearl with tart, rosy flesh. The apple’s incredible biodiversity can be traced back to Central Asia, where the wild fruit grew in mountainous regions and served as a source of food for animals and birds, which spread seeds from the tastiest apples far and wide. As trade routes developed across the Asian continent, apples made their way to Europe and eventually followed colonization to the Americas. Today apples are tied with bananas as the United States’ most consumed fruit, which shows up in nearly every place where Americans are served food—from school lunch trays to hospital cafeterias to bodega counters to your local coffee shop.

Yes. While the proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is not clinically proven, you can count on apples for lots of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and antioxidants to help a growing baby thrive.  Nutrients vary depending on the variety of apple; for example, red apples contain a special type of antioxidant called anthocyanins, which may support cardiovascular health and the gut microbiome.    That said, don’t worry about finding the “best” apple. Choose whichever variety is available to you: all apples are packed with nutrition to strengthen the immune system, promote healthy skin and cellular growth, regulate bowel movements, and grow a healthy gut microbiome. 

Two important notes on apples. First, be careful with apple seeds: they contain amygdalin, a plant compound that contains naturally occurring cyanide. While eating an apple seed once in a while is probably fine, in excess, the seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning.   

Second, apples are commonly sprayed with pesticides.  To minimize exposure, opt for organic apples when you can and be sure to wash all apples well before serving to reduce pesticide residue on the skin. Can’t afford or access organic apples? Fruit is better than no fruit. Don’t stress, and consider working other fruits into baby’s diet that tend to not need as much pesticide application, like cantaloupe, honeydew melon, kiwi, papaya and pineapple.

★Tip: Apples are full of natural sugar and can be used as a sugar replacement in many recipes. Try mashing cooked apples to make homemade applesauce, then use the applesauce in place of processed sugar in baked goods, salad dressings, and stews.

Yes. Raw apples and dried apple pieces are choking hazards for babies and children as they are challenging to chew and can be slippery. To minimize choking risk, cook apples until soft or slice thinly. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of a baby during meals. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

No. Apple is not considered to be a common allergen, although reactions have been reported.  Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to apples, particularly those who are allergic to alder, birch, and mugwort pollen.  Individuals sensitive to other fruits of the Rosaceae family, such as apricots, almonds, and plums may also have a similar experience with apples.  Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching or burning in the mouth, and it is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Peeling and cooking the fruit can minimize the reaction.   

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity at first and watch closely as baby eats. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.

No. Juice of any kind should not be given to babies under 12 months of age, unless directed to do so by a health provider in very specific circumstances. It is our professional opinion that it is best to wait to serve any kind of juice until age two, and even then, to limit the amount offered to minimize sugar (including natural sugar) in a child’s diet. Technically speaking, small amounts of juice (less than 4 ounces a day, ideally diluted with water to reduce sweetness) may be safely offered after a child’s first birthday but there are many benefits to waiting.  Regular and excessive consumption of sweet beverages may reduce the diversity of foods and nutrients consumed and may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and dental caries.  Plus, apples in their whole form are more nutritious than the juice.