Durian

Durian may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Durians are an impressive fruit with a strong smell, large size, thorny rind, and myriad uses in savory and sweet cooking, particularly on the islands of Southeast Asia, where the plant originated. Crack open the spiked shell and one will find creamy flesh in varying shades of white, yellow, green, or red, depending on the variety. Some durians taste sweeter and smell less intense than other varieties, whose pungent aroma has inspired some municipalities to ban it from public spaces.

Yes. Durian is loaded with fiber to support a healthy gut and energy-producing carbohydrates and B-vitamins, including folate. For a fruit, durian even offers a good amount of protein and fats.   Durian also provides vitamin C, potassium, traces of many more minerals, plus a wide array of plant nutrients and antioxidants—carotenoids, flavanols, quercetin, and more—which are beneficial to the body’s overall health.

Durian seeds are rich in fiber and are edible when cooked thoroughly and prepared in an age-appropriate way.

★Tip: Once its hard shell is cracked open, durian has a short shelf life. Scoop out the flesh and store it in an air-tight container in the fridge, then consume it within 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months to extend the shelf life.

No. Allergies to durian are rare, although they have been reported. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome who are allergic to birch pollen may be sensitive to durian, although this is uncommon. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, burning, or tingling in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes. Durian flesh, especially when underripe, can be firm and slippery, qualities that can increase choking risk, and the fruit’s large, hard seeds are also a possible choking hazard. To reduce the risk, carefully remove all the seeds and serve durian in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

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

There are many wonderful options. Look for foods that are easy for baby to feed to themselves, that are low in choking risk, and that offer nutrients babies need, such as iron. Some of our favorite first foods include steamed broccoli, oatmeal, and mango pits. See more ideas in our guide, 50 Fantastic First Foods.

It’s flexible. Generally speaking, bring baby to the table at least once per day between 6 and 7 months of age, twice per day between 8 and 9 months of age, and 3 times per day starting at around 10 months of age. See our sample feeding schedules for details.