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Learn moreWatermelon
Fruit
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have watermelon?
Watermelon may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Watermelon is the quintessential hot weather treat: brightly colored and refreshingly crunchy and juicy. But in Africa, where the watermelon originated, it served much more practical purposes. In a hot, dry climate, the melon’s thick rind and moisture-rich interior made it a valuable source of water when and where people needed it.
How do you serve watermelon 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.
6 months old +:
You have a couple of options:
Serve a large piece of watermelon rind with most of the fruit cut off as a food teether. Serving in this way won't result in any food in baby's belly, but it does offer baby valuable practice with oral-motor skills like chewing. If the rind is long and curved, cut a bit of each end off so it’s a straighter piece. Also, if there are any sharp corners, simply slice them off or blunt to soften (pounding the corner on a cutting board can do the trick). If baby is able to bite off a piece of the rind, remain calm and give baby a chance to work the piece out of their mouth independently. You can lean them forward or kneel next to them so they look down, allowing gravity to help move the piece forward. Then, take the rind away and consider serving watermelon sticks instead.
Offer a watermelon stick cut into rectangles with the rind removed, about the width of two adult fingers pressed together and about as thick as one adult finger. The piece should be just thick enough that it doesn't flop over or break apart easily. Remove any seeds from the watermelon before serving. It's common for watermelon to cause some coughing and gagging as baby manages the solid and liquid parts of the fruit in the mouth, but this is good practice with mixed consistencies.
9 months old +:
Offer watermelon sticks about the size of two adult fingers together or watermelon cut into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’d like to continue serving watermelon on the rind, by all means do so; serving on the rind can be a good strategy for babies and toddlers who shovel too much food in their mouths at once. Keep in mind that while the rind helps some 9–14-month-old babies manage this challenging mixed consistency food, others may be strong enough to bite through the rind by this age. If this happens, stay calm, let baby work it forward and out then consider removing the watermelon rind and instead offering bite-sized pieces or sticks. Either way, know that as baby becomes more confident in their biting skills, they may bite off a piece that makes you uncomfortable. Trust baby to chew the fruit, and if needed, allow them to spit it out on their own before intervening.
15 months old +:
At this age, you can either serve watermelon in small bite-sized pieces, or in the classic triangular pieces, with the rind on (it is edible, so don’t worry if the child teethes and munches on that part). If the child successfully bites off too-big pieces of the rind, simply cut some of the rind off before serving. In the dead of summer with a teething toddler? Puree watermelon and freeze into small popsicles for a tasty teething treat—or just insert a popsicle stick into a wedge of watermelon and freeze.
One way to cut watermelon for babies 6 mos +
If you're stuck in a puffs and pouches rut, check out our 100 Snacks for Babies & Toddlers.
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Is watermelon a choking hazard for babies?
While watermelon is not typically considered to be a common choking risk, it can be a challenging food for young babies and watermelon seeds can pose an aspiration risk. To reduce the risk of aspiration and choking, prepare and serve watermelon in an age-appropriate way. Note also that watermelon is a “mixed consistency,” which means it has both solid parts that need to be chewed and a high amount of liquid which moves differently than the solids as baby chews. This tends to cause a fair amount of coughing and gagging when it is eaten as baby learns to manage both a solid consistency and the juice at the same time. 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.
Is watermelon a common allergen?
No, watermelon is not considered to be a common allergen. However, some individuals with grass or ragweed allergies or Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to watermelon. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Individuals with known allergies to latex, avocado, banana, tomato, kiwi, and other melons may also be sensitive to watermelon.
As you would when introducing any new food, start with a small amount at first and follow baby’s lead.
Is watermelon healthy for babies?
Yes. Watermelon offers carbohydrates, fiber, and water, in addition to magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Together, these nutrients help provide energy to support baby’s movement and exploration, flourishing gut microbiome, and hydration. They also help to support electrolyte balance, vision, skin health, iron absorption, and immune function. Lastly, watermelon is rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which supports baby’s overall health.
It is important to wash and prepare watermelons with a little extra care. The melon’s rind can carry bacteria picked up from the soil it grows in, which can cause foodborne illness. Immediately before serving melon, thoroughly wash and scrub the rind, then pat it dry. Washing with water works just fine; there is no need to use any special produce wash or detergent.
Can watermelon cause diarrhea in babies?
Yes. Watermelon is over 90% water, which helps promote healthy digestion, especially if baby is experiencing harder stools. When a significant quantity is consumed, it is not unusual to see looser stools. When that poop does come, know that red-fleshed watermelon can result in red-pigmented stool; don’t worry, it isn’t blood.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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