Pear

When can babies eat pears?

Raw pear can be a choking hazard because the fruit is slippery and firm. That said, if you steam or cook pears until they are soft, or slice them very thinly, pears may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old.

Warning

Pears are a potential choking hazard, so keep reading to learn how to serve safely to babies.

Are pears healthy for babies?

Yes. Pears contain a whole host of vitamins and minerals, including copper (which aids iron absorption), vitamin C and other antioxidants (which power a healthy immune system), and vitamin K (which promotes healthy blood). Pears are known for containing a high level of fiber—the majority of which can be found in the skin. A pear’s skin color indicates the variety’s unique plant compounds and, thus, different beneficial nutrients to the human body. For example, red-skinned pears contain beta-carotene, which is essential for healthy vision, skin and immune function.

Are pears a common choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Raw pears and dried pear pieces can be choking hazards. To reduce the risk, you can steam, poach, or cook pears until completely soft. Alternatively, you can offer your baby paper-thin slices of raw pear when they are old enough to hold on to them.

For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Are pears a common allergen?

No. True allergies to pears are rare. However, individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen-food allergy) may be sensitive to pears, though cooking the fruit can minimize the reaction.¹


How do you prepare pears for babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 to 9 months old: Cook pear halves (core removed, skin on or off) until soft. Offer the pear half to baby in the air and see if they will grab it from you. For very ripe, soft pears, you can skip cooking and slice. Large, round, thin slices will be the easiest shape for baby to hold.

9 to 12 months old: Once baby has developed their pincer grasp, offer bite-sized pieces of ripe, soft pear. You may also continue to offer thin slices of soft, ripe pear, or continue cooking and offering halves or bite-sized pieces of cooked pear.

12 to 24 months old: For ripe, soft pears, pretty much anything goes at this age. Offer quartered pears with the core and seeds removed, bite-sized pieces, and when you feel the child is ready, the whole fruit with the skin. Expect your toddler to spit much of the skin out when eating–this is normal and will subside closer to 18 to 24 months when toddlers get the hang of grinding fruit and vegetable skins with their molars.

Learn about more safe, healthy first foods for baby in our guide, Top 15 Foods for Babies Starting Solids.

1. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen Fruit Syndrome (PFS). Retrieved January 9, 2020.