Plums may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Eating plums can have a laxative effect, so while this fruit can be a terrific food when baby is constipated, take care to not overdo it. Looking for prunes? See the prune page.

Plums are an ancient fruit that grew wild in North America, Europe, and Asia before humans learned to domesticate the tree and its fruit thousands of years ago. That agricultural innovation marked the start of a major growth spurt on the plum family tree. Today there are thousands of varieties of plums that come in every color of the rainbow and all sorts of shapes and tastes – from the immensely sweet mirabelles and gages, to the deeply tart and tangy damsons. Some are even astringent, such as the blackthorns used to make plum liqueurs like patxaran in Spain and sloe gin in the United Kingdom.

★Tip: How do you know when a plum is ripe? Smell it. Plum should have a sweet aroma – the deeper the fragrance, the riper the fruit. You can also hold it. A ripe plum feels tender when gently squeezed in your palm – not your fingers, which can bruise the fruit.

Yes. Plums offer potassium and vitamins A, C, and K. Together, these essential nutrients support nerve function and build healthy cells, tissue and bones. The fruit also contains antioxidants and soluble fiber, which helps diversify friendly bacteria in the gut, support digestion, and maintain optimal cell function. Just remember that plums can cause gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating and gas while also having a laxative effect, so take care not to overdo it.

Plums come in different colors, each with unique nutrients. For example, green plums contain quercetin, while both red and purple plums contain anthocyanins – different types of antioxidants that protect against cell damage and inflammation.

Many plums are sprayed heavily with pesticides.  To minimize exposure, wash the fruit before serving to children and opt for organic when possible.

★Tip: If fresh plums are not available, choose frozen or canned plums packed in water or natural juices and do your best to avoid plums in syrups, which are typically high in added sugars. Only have canned plums in syrup? Try draining the plums of their syrup and rinsing them before serving to remove excess sugars.  You can also try serving prunes.

Yes. Plums can present a choking risk when fruit is firm and/or small. Dried plums (also called prunes) are a common choking hazard, like all dried fruit. Plums also contain a hard pit that should be removed before serving babies and toddlers. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within arm’s reach of baby at mealtime.

For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Although severe allergic reactions to plum have been reported, plum is not considered to be a common allergen.  Some individuals with a history of severe reactions to certain stone fruits (such as cherry, peach, and nectarine) or latex may be at increased risk of plum allergy. Individuals who are sensitive or allergic to birch trees, or who have Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called “pollen food” allergy syndrome) to other foods in the Rosaceae or stone fruit family, may also be sensitive to plums.    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 and peeling the fruit may help reduce reactions for those who are sensitive.

As you would do when introducing any new food, start by offering a small amount for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.

Perfectly ripe plums have a short shelf life, which has inspired numerous techniques to preserve the fruit. There are condiments like Chinese plum sauce and Indian plum chutney, pickled Iranian gojeh sabz and salted Japanese umeboshi, and myriad ways to make plum jams and jellies around the world. Most preserves are too salty or sugary for babies and toddlers, but there are plenty of quick and easy ways to prepare the fresh fruit. Serve plums on their own when they are ripe and bursting with juice. You can also make stewed plums – one way to introduce the fruit that doesn’t make you wait until a perfectly ripe plum is available. Although you and baby will be rewarded with deliciousness if you do!