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 will be appropriate for babies, so read our age-based section closely.
Need more ideas for baby's first solid foods? Check out our guides.
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.
Strawberries ripen on their runners, and unlike bananas, they do not continue to ripen after they are picked. Those plump, heart-shaped berries in plastic shells at American grocery stores? These strawberries are grown to maximize productivity and harvested early so that they can be packaged and shipped from California or Florida, the top strawberry-producing regions in the United States. They can taste very different from strawberries that are grown near your home or found in the wild.
Yes. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which strengthens immunity and helps baby’s body absorb iron from plant-based foods. The fruit also contains fiber, which promotes a healthy gut, as well as folate that fuels a baby’s metabolism, cell energy, and antioxidant activity. The seeds even contain some omega-3 fatty acids to power a baby’s vision, nervous system, and brain development. The best part about strawberries: the fruit contains more than 50 polyphenols, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to keep a baby’s cells and whole body healthy.
Strawberries are commonly sprayed with pesticides. To minimize exposure, thoroughly wash strawberries before serving them and if your budget allows for it, buy organic fresh or frozen strawberries.
★Tip: Love strawberry jam? It would be wise to hold off on serving jam until after the 2nd birthday because it is packed with added sugar. Instead, simply mash strawberries to make a fresh jam that can be stirred into oatmeal or yogurt, thickened with chia seeds, or served on its own.
Yes. Strawberries are a potential choking hazard, especially when the fruit is firm, round, or small. To minimize the risk, first choose very large, soft and ripe berries. Large strawberries (much bigger than baby's mouth) can be served whole as long as you supervise baby closely. Small, round, or firm strawberries should be thinly sliced or smashed. 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. 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 by offering a small quantity at first. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.
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.
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.
If your strawberries are very big and very soft and ripe, you can offer a whole strawberry (stem removed) if you feel comfortable. If the whole berry is able to fit into the child's mouth, it is too small and should be sliced or mashed. 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. Similarly, 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 slice the fruit before serving. To help baby consume more mashed strawberries, stir the fruit into yogurt or warm cereal.
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.
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 risk.
How to serve strawberries to babies by age
For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.
Yield
1 ½ cup (365 grams)
Cooking Time
5 minutes
Age Suggestion
6 months+
½ cup (40 grams) dry instant oatmeal or rolled oats
1 cup (250 milliliters) water or milk of choice
½ cup (75 grams) fresh or frozen strawberries
1 pinch ground cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, or spice of choice (optional)
1 pinch ground almond or nut of choice (optional)
This recipe contains optional ingredients that are common allergens: almond (tree nut) and milk (dairy). Only serve to a child after these allergens have been introduced safely.
Combine the oatmeal and water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a bare simmer.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the oatmeal thickens, about 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and let cool.
Wash and dry the strawberries, making sure they are ripe and soft. If you are not sure, press the berry between your fingers. If it gives easily under pressure, it should be soft enough. Mash half of the strawberries, then stir into the oatmeal. Cut the other half of the strawberries into age-appropriate sizes – see our suggestions in the age-based section.
If you like, stir the spice into the oatmeal and sprinkle ground almond on top.
Scoop some strawberry oatmeal into the child’s bowl. Exact serving size is variable. Let a child’s appetite determine how much is eaten.
Serve the strawberry oatmeal with the cut-up berries on top or on the side. Let the child self-feed by scooping with hands. If you’d like to encourage the use of a utensil, simply pre-load a spoon and rest it next to the bowl for the child to pick up. Alternatively, pass the pre-loaded spoon in the air for the child to grab from you.
To Store: Strawberry oatmeal keeps in an air-tight container in the fridge for 1 week. Cut strawberry keeps in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 days.
If you could use some more recipe ideas, check out our breakfast guide to make your mornings just a bit easier.
Strawberries have a tart-sweet flavor (some sweeter than others!) that pairs well with grassy vegetables like artichoke, asparagus, or rhubarb; leafy greens like kale and spinach; fresh beans like fava beans, garden peas, green beans, snap peas, and snow peas; and earthy nuts and grains like almond, amaranth seed, and quinoa. Try enhancing a strawberry’s flavor with lemon, lime, orange, and other citrus; warm seasonings like cardamom, cinnamon, orange water, rose water, or vanilla; or pungent herbs like basil or mint. Strawberries taste delicious with similarly sweet-tart fruits like blueberry, kiwi, or pineapple and creamy foods like coconut, goat’s cheese, mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, and yogurt.
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