Peaches, if ripe and soft, may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Peaches originated in East Asia, where the fruit trees have influenced art, literature, medicine, and spirituality for thousands of years. Today the juicy fruits are farmed in temperate climates around the world. Peaches often represent the peak of summer along with cherries, plums, and nectarines—the smooth-skinned sibling of the fuzzy peach. When the weather is hot, there are hundreds of varieties to try, from flat peaches with rosy skin and yellow flesh, to perfectly round golden peaches with cream-colored flesh. The taste varies, too; some are tart, others are tangy, and many are sweet.
Yes. Peaches offer fiber to support the gut microbiome and digestive health, plus they contain good amounts of vitamin E, as well as vitamin A and vitamin C to promote immune health. Peach skin in particular is high in antioxidants—beneficial compounds that combat bodily stress and keep us healthy. Washing the fruit can help reduce pesticide residues while also getting rid of unfriendly germs.
Can’t get fresh peaches? Canned and frozen peaches are great options, too. While canned peaches are often preserved in syrups, when possible, look for canned peaches that are free from added sugar, such as those preserved in water.
They can be, especially when underripe. Peaches are slippery and can be firm, qualities that can increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, only serve very ripe, soft peaches. Note that peach skin, while not a common choking hazard, can stick to the roof of the mouth or baby’s tongue and cause some gagging or discomfort. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.
No. Allergies to peaches are uncommon. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), and particularly those with sensitivities to birch tree and/or certain grass pollens, may be sensitive to peaches. Individuals sensitive to other fruits of the Rosaceae family, such as apricots, almonds, nectarines, and plums, may also have a similar experience with peaches.
Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooked, canned, or peeled peaches can help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity 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. While small amounts of fruit juice (less than 4 oz a day, ideally diluted with water) may be offered after a child’s first birthday, it is our professional opinion to wait to serve any kind of juice until age two, and even then, to limit the frequency and amount offered to minimize sugar (including natural sugar) in a child’s diet. Regular and excessive consumption of sweet beverages may reduce the diversity of foods and nutrients consumed and may increase the risk of dental cavities, diabetes, and heart disease. Plus, fruits in their whole form are more nutritious than the juice.
Yes. Peaches are rich in fiber and fluid that help feed healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines to support healthy digestion and bowel movements. In particular, peaches (along with pears, prunes, plums, and others) contain sorbitol, a food component that promotes bowel movements.
Certain high-fiber foods can produce gas and, at times, diaper blowouts; while this is normal and expected, it can be uncomfortable for baby. To minimize digestive discomfort, introduce high-fiber foods like peaches gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about your baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
Offer baby a pitted peach cut in half with the skin on. Leaving the skin on helps baby grip the slippery fruit, but if the skin makes you nervous, peel it and roll the peach half in shredded coconut or finely ground-up nuts or seeds to reduce slipperiness and to add grip. If baby bites off a too-large piece of peach, take a deep breath and refrain from sticking your fingers in baby’s mouth. Instead, kneel down in front of baby, encouraging them to look down at you and allowing gravity to help move the food out of their mouth. Alternatively, mash the peach and mix into a soft, easy-to-scoop food like porridge or yogurt.
Offer thin slices of soft, ripe peach with the skin on or off. If baby is not ready to pick up slices of peach, continue offering pitted peach halves with the skin on or peeled. Because peaches are so slippery, bite-sized peaches may be too challenging for baby to pick up, but you can also try rolling small pieces in shredded coconut or finely ground-up nuts.
Continue with thinly-sliced peaches or halved, pitted peaches for biting practice. Alternatively, cut peach into bite-sized pieces to pre-load on a fork.
If you feel comfortable, consider offering your toddler a whole, ripe peach. We recommend you eat one at the same time to demonstrate biting into the peach and how to avoid the pit. Take a few bites and then show your toddler the hard pit on the inside. Tap it with your finger and tell them, “I am eating around this hard part.” If your toddler tries to put the whole pit in their mouth, simply remove the pit for them and let them continue with the fruit flesh. If your child accidentally ends up with a pit in their mouth, try not to panic. Remember that a pit can produce a strong gag reflex to move it forward and out of the mouth. Kneel next to your toddler and tell them in a calm voice: “Spit that out please. Pits are not for eating.” Put your hand under their chin while you demonstrate spitting. If needed, put a pit in your own mouth, show it on your tongue, and demonstrate spitting it into your own hand.
How to prepare peaches for babies 6 months+.
Incorporate new meals into your morning routine with our guide 50 Breakfasts for Babies & Toddlers.
Yield
1 c (240 ml) peach + 1 c (240 ml) cream
Cooking time
5 minutes
Age suggestion
6 months+
½ c (120 ml) heavy cream
1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
This recipe contains a common allergen: dairy (heavy cream). Only serve to a child after this allergen has been safely introduced.
Wash the peaches, then cut them into age-appropriate sizes.
Whip the cream to form stiff peaks.
Stick the peach in the cream so it is easy for the child to grab.
Sprinkle nutmeg on top.
Serve the Fruit
Offer peaches and cream, then let the child self-feed.
If help is needed, hold a piece of peach or a pre-loaded utensil in the air in front of the child, then let them grab it from you.
Eat some peaches and cream alongside the child to model how it’s done.
To Store: Cut peaches and whipped cream are best enjoyed to order. If there are leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
Peaches pair exceptionally well with blackberries, cherries, coconut, cream cheese, pork, and yogurt.
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