Avocado

No. Ripe, soft avocado presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve avocado in an age-appropriate way as described in How to Serve. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Allergies to avocado are rare but have been reported. Avocado allergy is more likely to occur in individuals who are already allergic to banana, chestnut, or kiwi. Those who are allergic to latex or certain pollens may be allergic to avocado or experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy). Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

Yes, avocado is a known trigger for food protein-induced enterocolitis, also known as FPIES. FPIES is a non-IgE-mediated food allergy that results in delayed vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of a food trigger and can cause significant dehydration. There is emerging evidence that the prevalence of avocado as a trigger for FPIES is higher than originally believed. Read more about FPIES.

Yes. Avocado is rich in fiber and the healthy fats that babies need to support digestion and brain development. Avocados are also a rich source of growth-supportive B-vitamins like folate and B6, and contain vitamin E as well as zinc to fuel immune health.

Yes. Avocado is rich in nutrition, easy to prepare, and can be offered to babies regularly as part of a varied diet. Its healthy fats, naturally soft texture, and mild flavor make avocado a common early food for babies. That said, as with any food, serve as part of a wide variety of other fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains to make sure that baby benefits from the full spectrum of nutrients available across food groups.

Yes. As long as there are no firm chunks of food like underripe avocado or onion. Serve guacamole in a bowl for scooping, on a pre-loaded spoon, or spread on toast or tortilla strips. Taste the guacamole before offering to baby to gauge how spicy it is. Babies can have spicy foods as soon as they are ready for solids, but you want to start small and serve spicy foods according to baby’s tolerance.

Avocado's mild flavor and soft texture make it a versatile ingredient and vehicle for other foods. For young babies, mashed avocado combines well with banana, mango, pear, sweet potato, cooked squash, soft-cooked grains like oatmeal or quinoa, well-cooked ground meat, and mashed lentils or beans, among many other choices.