Pineapple may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, generally around 6 months of age. Pineapple and other acidic foods may cause a harmless rash on skin that comes into contact with the juices and can contribute to diaper rash.
Pineapple has been cultivated for thousands of years in the land of its origin, the tropical lowlands of South America, including the area now known as Brazil. There, the Tupi people created diverse ways to turn the fruit they called na’na (among other names) into nourishing meals and fermented drinks. Colonization of Brazil and other parts of the American tropics introduced pineapple to Europe and beyond, although the fruit remained a luxury item in many temperate climates for hundreds of years. Today the tangy fruit is commonly eaten worldwide in many different savory and sweet preparations.
Yes. Ripe pineapple is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins B6 and C, folate, and fiber, as well as trace amounts of a variety of other vitamins and minerals. Together, these nutrients help baby’s body absorb iron, maintain gut health, and support the immune system. Pineapple also contains antioxidants and carotenoids, such as epicatechin. When serving pineapple, make sure that it is ripe, as unripe pineapple can be irritating to the digestive system.
Pineapple contains bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that can cause irritation in the mouth after eating lots of the fruit. Know that, while this may be uncomfortable, there is no damage being done. Cooking pineapple helps prevent this sensation, and serving the fruit with a neutralizing food like coconut milk or yogurt can help lessen the feeling.
Yes. Pineapple can be firm and slippery, which are two qualities that can increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, follow our age-based serving suggestions. Note that pineapple has a mixed consistency—in other words, there are both solids and juice in a bite of pineapple, which move differently in baby’s mouth. This consistency may cause coughing as baby practices eating the food. 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 pineapple are uncommon, but they have been reported and may be more likely in individuals with latex allergies. While most allergic reactions to pineapple are not severe, serious allergic reactions to bromelain, the major allergenic protein in pineapple, have also been reported. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome who are allergic to pollen and/or latex may be sensitive to pineapple. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Pineapple that is cooked or canned can help minimize the reaction. There have also been reports that treating pineapple with salt or consuming along with dairy products might minimize reactions.
The enzymes in pineapple, such as bromelain, can temporarily irritate the mouth and tongue, causing a tingling or burning sensation that can be difficult to distinguish from Oral Allergy Syndrome. Cooking pineapple can help reduce this irritation.
Sometimes the natural acidity of pineapple can cause a harmless rash upon contact with the skin, typically around the mouth, but also occasionally in the diaper area. The rash usually dissipates quickly without treatment. To prevent irritation, apply a barrier ointment, such as petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil-wax combination, to baby’s face and diaper area before a meal with pineapple.
If you suspect baby may be allergic to pineapple, consult an allergist. 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.
No. Juice of any kind should not be given to babies as a drink unless directed to do so by a healthcare provider. After the first birthday, small amounts of juice (less than 4 ounces or 118 ml a day, ideally unsweetened or diluted with water to reduce sweetness) may be safely offered, but there are benefits to waiting until after the second birthday or even longer. Delaying the introduction of sweet drinks, like fruit juice, can help establish a foundation for a varied diet and establish healthy habits. Regular and especially excessive consumption of sweet beverages may reduce the diversity of foods and nutrients consumed, increase the risk of dental cavities, and alter appetite in ways that can negatively affect growth. Plus, pineapple in its whole form is more nutritious than the juice on its own.
Yes. Pineapple is rich in fiber and fluid, which help support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines for healthy digestion and bowel movements. Some high-fiber foods can also produce gas and, at times, diaper blowouts. While this is normal, it can be uncomfortable for baby. A little gassiness or a few blowouts is just a sign that baby’s digestive system is adjusting, so no need to remove the food from the diet. To minimize digestive discomfort, serve high-fiber foods like pineapple in small amounts at first, gradually increase the amount served, and regularly offer the fruit in baby’s diet as tolerated. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, check out our page on knowing when to worry about baby’s poop and, as always, 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 the core of a ripe pineapple as a food teether, or long, flat strips of soft, ripe pineapple for consumption. While the core won’t result in food in the belly, it can help advance oral motor skills by stimulating reflexes that baby uses to learn how to chew. If baby can bite through the core, stop serving the core to reduce choking risk and offer soft, ripe pineapple that has been peeled and cut into long, flat strips about the size of two adult fingers pressed together. When offering the strips, it is important to make sure that the fruit is ripe enough: hold a strip between your thumb and finger and gently press. If it gives under light pressure, it is safe to share with baby at this age. Serving pineapple alongside a creamy food like coconut milk or yogurt can help neutralize the natural acidity in the fruit and offset any harmless burning sensation that the child may feel on the tongue.
At this age, avoid or finely chop pre-cut cubes and canned pineapple chunks to minimize the risk of choking. Alternatively, offer whole rings of canned pineapple, and if it was packaged in syrup, rinse the pineapple in water before serving to reduce the sugars. Some canned pineapple may be soft enough that it falls apart in baby’s hands; if baby is interested in trying to pick up and eat the pieces, it’s fine to let them do so.
Serve bite-sized pieces of soft, ripe pineapple, either on their own as practice for baby’s developing pincer grasp or as part of a meal. Make sure that the pineapple passes the squish test: hold a piece between your thumb and finger and gently press. If it gives under light pressure, it is safe to share with baby. If you’d like to continue serving the whole pineapple core or large, flat strips of pineapple, you may. Just stop offering the core if baby can bite through it entirely.
Continue to offer bite-sized pieces of pineapple and consider serving the fruit alongside a utensil for practice. Just remember that using utensils can be exhausting for new eaters, and many children toggle back and forth between feeding themselves with their fingers and utensils. Consistent and accurate utensil use will come in due time, with most children able to use a fork accurately by 3 years of age.
Preparing pineapple for babies 6 to 8 months old
Preparing pineapple for babies 9 months+
Break out of the lunch rut with our guide, 75 Lunches for Babies & Toddlers.
Yield
1 pineapple food teether + 8-12 pineapple sticks + 1 ½ c (360 ml) yogurt
Cooking time
15 minutes
Age suggestion
6 months+
1 inch (2 cm) ginger
1 lime
1 ½ c (360 ml) coconut yogurt
2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil
2 tsp (10 ml) agave syrup (optional: 24 months+)
⅛ tsp (¼ g) chili powder (optional)
salt to taste
Modifications
Coconut Yogurt - Swap it for yogurt made of cow’s milk or your preferred milk.
Salt - To minimize sodium in baby’s diet, omit or reduce the salt in the child’s portion.
Spices - Feel free to swap the ginger, lime, and chili power for your favorite combination of seasonings. Babies can enjoy big flavors, too.
This recipe contains a common allergen: coconut (oil, yogurt). While coconut allergy is rare, it is classified as a tree nut by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Only serve to a child after this allergen has been safely introduced.
Prepare the Yogurt
Peel and finely chop the ginger.
Zest the lime. Reserve the juice.
Mix the yogurt, ginger, and lime zest.
Set aside some yogurt for the child. Season the rest with salt to taste for yourself.
Chill until you are ready to serve.
Prepare the Pineapple
Slice off the pineapple’s ends and skin, then core the pineapple. To begin, place the pineapple in an upright position, then push your knife slice along one edge of the core from top to bottom. Repeat on the other sides of the core. Set the core aside to offer as a resistive food teether to baby.
Cut the pineapple flesh into long sticks about the width of two adult fingers pressed together.
Coat the pineapple sticks with oil, then sear the pineapple sticks on the grill or a hot pan on the stovetop until they have softened slightly and lightly browned all over, about 4 minutes per side.
Finely chop a pineapple stick, and mix it into the reserved spiced yogurt for baby.
Season the rest of the pineapple sticks with salt to taste for yourself. Serve with spiced yogurt, a drizzle of agave syrup, and a scant dusting of chili powder.
Serve the Pineapple
Offer the pineapple core and pineapple-yogurt mash to baby, then let the child self-feed.
If help is needed, hold the pineapple core or a pre-loaded spoon in the air in front of the child, then let them grab it from you.
Eat your pineapple and spiced yogurt alongside the child to model how it’s done.
To Store: Leftover pineapple and yogurt keep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Pineapple’s acidic sweetness goes well with shellfish and white fish, and pairs nicely with robust fruits likes avocado and banana. It will also go nicely with bold-flavored fruits like grapefruit, raspberry, strawberry, and tamarind and fatty, nutty flavors like coconut and macadamia nut. Try flavoring fresh pineapple with fresh herbs (cilantro or mint) and spices (cinnamon or cayenne pepper) for deeper flavor.
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