Strawberry

Fruit

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

A pile of pA pile of strawberries before they have been prepared for a baby starting solid foods

When can babies have strawberries?

Strawberries may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready for solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that strawberries range in size and not all strawberries are appropriate for babies, so read the How to Serve section closely.

Strawberries grow in temperate regions worldwide, and humans have been harvesting wild strawberries and learning to cultivate the fruit for centuries. There are tons of varieties to try – some the size of your fingernail, others the size of your hand; some red or pink, others purple or white; some deliciously sweet, others tart like pineapple. From the delicate Alpine strawberry to the hefty Fragaria Chandler, there are many varieties to explore.

How do you serve strawberries to babies?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

A Solid Starts infographic showing how to cut strawberries by baby's age, showing large berries for 6 to 9 mos, sliced berries for 9 mos+ and whole with the stem (optional) for 12 mos+, Berries must be soft and ripe and if serving whole, should be large e

6 to 8 months old:

If the strawberry is very big and very soft and ripe, you can offer a whole strawberry (stem removed) if you feel comfortable. While not necessary, you can cut off the strawberry’s tip to reduce the choking risk a bit further. If the whole berry is able to fit into the child’s mouth, it is too small and should be mashed or cooked. To check if the berry is soft enough, press it between your fingers and make sure it gives under slight pressure. If you have to press hard for it to give, it is too firm. If the berry gets munched down to a size that makes you uncomfortable, remove the berry and replace with a new, large berry. If your strawberries are small, mash or cook the fruit before serving. To help baby consume more mashed strawberries, stir the fruit into yogurt or warm cereal.

9 months old +:

At this age, you can start offering thin slices of strawberry. Note that paper-thin slices will likely be difficult for babies to pick up and may stick to baby’s tongue or the roof of their mouth and cause some gagging.

12 months old +:

Continue with sliced strawberries, and when you feel the toddler is ready, move back up in size and offer large whole or quartered strawberries. The more ripe and soft the berry, the lower the choking risk.

a hand holding a whole, large strawberry next to a penny for size comparison — A large, ripe, whole strawberry for babies 6-8 months, next to a penny for size reference

a hand holding three thin slices of strawberry for 9 months + — Thin slices of strawberry for babies 9 months +

How to serve strawberries to babies by age

Videos

Ronan, 7 months, munches on a large, soft strawberry.

Maya, 9 months, eats sliced strawberries.

Callie, 17 months, eats strawberries.

Are strawberries a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Strawberries are a potential choking hazard, especially when the fruit is firm, round, or small. To reduce the risk, choose very large, soft, and ripe berries, and prepare and serve them in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Are strawberries a common allergen?

No. Strawberry is not considered to be a common allergen, although allergenic proteins in the strawberry fruit have been identified. Interestingly, the strawberry proteins that cause allergic reactions are less likely to be found in white strawberries.

What’s more common than allergy is a harmless skin reaction around the mouth from the acidity of the fruit. Although not an allergic reaction, strawberries and other acidic fruits can also cause or worsen diaper rash when consumed in excess. If this occurs, apply a thick barrier cream or ointment to the diaper area and limit prolonged contact with a wet/dirty diaper.

Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those who are allergic to birch pollen, may be sensitive to strawberries. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically causes mild, temporary itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth, which usually resolves on its own. Cooking the fruit can minimize the reaction.

Strawberry is a part of the Rosaceae family, and individuals who are sensitive to other plants in this family (such as almonds, apples, and plums) may have a similar experience with strawberries.

As you would when introducing any new food, start with a small amount at first and follow baby’s lead.

Are strawberries healthy for babies?

Yes. Strawberries offer carbohydrates, fiber, and water, in addition to folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6, C, 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, metabolic processes, skin, health, iron absorption, immune function, and blood clotting. Strawberries contain plenty of polyphenols, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants to support baby’s overall health.

Why are strawberries sometimes very tart and other times very sweet?

The flavor depends on the variety of strawberry – some types are more acidic, while others are sweeter. The flavor also depends on how the fruit was grown and harvested.