Feijoa

Feijoa (also called guavasteen, guayaba del pais, and pineapple guava) may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Feijoa thrives in areas with cooler temperatures bookending the warm growing season, like the highlands of South America, its original home. Feijoa traveled to other parts of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the Pacific Islands, where the plant remains popular today. In New Zealand, the fruit has become an unofficial national symbol, growing abundantly in commercial farms and home gardens alike.

Yes. Feijoa is packed with fiber to promote healthy digestion, vitamin B6 to support metabolic function, and folate for cognitive development. Feijoa also offers some vitamin C which helps to support baby’s immune system and aids the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

★Tip: Ripen feijoas at room temperature, then store the ripe fruit in the fridge for one week or in the freezer for a few months. To tell if a feijoa is ripe, feel it: the fruit is ready to eat when it is firm with just a bit of give (not mushy) – like a ripe banana, mango, or pear.

No. Allergies to feijoa are rare and information on feijoa allergy is limited. Because feijoa is closely related to guava, individuals with allergies to latex may be sensitive. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome who are allergic to birch pollen may be sensitive to both feijoa and guava. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Fortunately, peeling or cooking the fruit can help minimize or even eliminate the reaction.

As you would do 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 amount served over future meals.

No. Ripe feijoa 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 feijoa in an age-appropriate way. 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.

While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.