Raspberry

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.

Shopping Tip

Can’t get fresh raspberries? Defrosted, frozen raspberries are a convenient and accessible alternative. In fact, frozen berries are processed at peak ripeness, making them similarly nutritious as fresh berries.^[1] Cooking defrosted raspberries can reduce the risk of foodborne illness.^{[2] [3]}

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.

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.^[4] 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.^{[5] [6]} 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.^{[7] [4]}

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.

Yes. Raspberries offer carbohydrates, fiber, and water, in addition to folate, magnesium, potassium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B6, C, E, and K. Together, these nutrients help provide energy to support baby’s movement and exploration, developing gut microbiome, and hydration. They also help to support brain development, electrolyte balance, taste perception, metabolic processes, skin health, iron absorption, immune function, and blood clotting.

Baby should be able to sit with minimal support, hold their head up well, and be able to reach and grab an item and successfully bring it to their mouth while seated. Baby should also show interest in eating and watching caregivers eat. For example of babies who are ready vs not, see our article on readiness.

While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.