Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
Raspberries may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that acidic foods like raspberries may cause a harmless contact rash where the juice touches the skin or may cause or worsen diaper rash.
Raspberries have been cultivated for hundreds of years, and wild raspberries can still be found in the plant’s native regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. Like their cousins the blackberry, raspberries grow on thorny branches called canes, and the sweet, tart berries are eaten fresh and cooked into baked goods, desserts, and more.
Yes. Raspberries offer good amounts of zinc, folate, and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to vitamins B6 and E. These important nutrients work together to support baby’s sense of taste, neurodevelopment, metabolism, and immunity. Raspberries are also packed with vitamin C, making them a wonderful complement to plant-based sources of iron like legumes and nuts. Lastly, they are incredibly rich in fiber to support baby’s digestive health.
Can’t get fresh raspberries? Defrosted, frozen raspberries are just fine for babies too. In fact, frozen berries are processed at peak ripeness, making them similarly nutritious as fresh berries.
No. Allergies to raspberries are uncommon, but have been reported. What is quite common with acidic foods like raspberries, however, is a harmless contact rash around the mouth or skin that the raspberries come into contact with, such as the diaper area. Applying a thin layer of barrier ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face and bottom prior to mealtime can help prevent contact rashes.
Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome) and particularly those with sensitivities to certain tree pollens may be sensitive to raspberries. Individuals sensitive to other berries and foods of the Rosaceae family, such as blackberries, strawberries, apricots, almonds, and plums may also be sensitive to raspberries. 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 raspberries 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, ripe raspberries are not a common choking hazard, but firm, small, or unripe berries can pose a risk. To reduce the risk, choose raspberries that are big, ripe, and soft, and prepare and serve in an age-appropriate way. 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.
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
Mash raspberries and serve on their own or mix into scoopable foods like porridge, warm cereals, or yogurt. Alternatively, you can flatten raspberries with your fingers or the back of a fork, but most babies at this age will struggle to pick up these small pieces of food. Wait to offer until baby is confident in using their fingers to pick up smaller items.
Gently flatten soft and ripe raspberries for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp. You can also continue to mash raspberries and serve on their own or stir into other foods.
At this age, you can offer whole raspberries if they are ripe and soft. If you or your child are not ready for whole berries, continue to flatten the berries, flattening a little less as the child’s eating skills mature and your comfort increases.
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