Honeydew Melon

Honeydew melon, especially in the form of melon balls, is a choking hazard, so keep reading to learn how to serve this fruit safely.

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

Honeydew melons are a type of muskmelon—a family of melons that includes many varieties, including canary, cantaloupes, casaba, cavallion, crenshaw, winter melons, and more. While the fruit’s exact origins are unknown, there are records of honeydew melons being cultivated in parts of Northern and Western Africa dating back thousands of years. Today, the melons are grown in hot, dry climates worldwide, including in China, where the beloved fruit is known as the bailan melon, among other names.

Yes. Honeydew melon is rich in potassium, folate, and vitamins B6 and C. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Together, these nutrients support baby’s hydration, electrolyte balance, nervous system, metabolism, immunity, and overall bodily resilience. 

It is important to wash and prepare honeydew melon and all melons with a little extra care. The melon’s rind can carry pathogenic bacteria picked up from the soil it grows in. Immediately before serving melon, thoroughly wash and scrub the rind, then pat it dry. Washing with water works just fine; there is no need to use any special produce wash or detergent.

★Tip: Choose honeydew melon that feels heavy for its size and appears free of soft spots and mold. Note that honeydew melon is quite perishable; it is best consumed within a day or two after it has ripened. To tell if the melon is ripe, smell it: the fruit will smell floral, musky, and sweet.

No, honeydew melons are not a common food allergen, though individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), especially those who are allergic to ragweed pollen, may be sensitive to honeydew melon. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking the melon can help minimize or even eliminate the reaction. If baby experiences Oral Allergy Syndrome, contact rashes may occur on the hands or face after handling or eating the melon. Washing hands immediately after handling honeydew melon and applying a barrier ointment (such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax combination) to baby’s face before eating can help to prevent such rashes.

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. Honeydew melon is firm and slippery, qualities that increase the risk of choking. The risk is greatest when the melon is cut into melon balls or large chunks, or when it is underripe and even more firm. To reduce the risk, make sure the fruit is ripe, and serve 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.

Baby should be able to sit with minimal support, hold their head up well, and be able to reach and grab an item and successfully bring it to their mouth while seated. Baby should also show interest in eating and watching caregivers eat. For example of babies who are ready vs not, see our article on readiness.

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.