Apple for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve apple to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Apple in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Apple to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, apples must always be served cooked and soft to avoid choking. Peel, core, and slice the apple, then steam or simmer until you can easily mash it with a fork (about 10-15 minutes). Mash or puree until smooth, or offer as very soft spears large enough for your baby to grasp in their palm (about 2-3 cm wide and 10 cm long / 0.75-1.25" wide x 4" long). Ensure no firm or raw pieces remain. Never offer raw apple at this age due to choking risk.
Serving Instructions
At 6-9 months, offer 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml / 0.5-1 fl oz) of mashed or pureed apple as part of a balanced meal alongside iron-rich foods (like lentils or chicken), a source of healthy fat (such as olive oil or avocado), and a vitamin C booster (apple itself supports iron absorption). Varied meals support flavor learning and nutritional needs.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Apple to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For 9-18 months, continue to serve apples steamed or simmered until soft as raw apple remains a significant choking hazard before about 24 months. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 1 cm / 0.5") or serve in soft spears for practice with self-feeding. Always monitor your child closely and make sure all pieces are soft and easy to squish between your fingers. If grated raw apple is desired, ensure it is finely grated and closely watched, but steaming is safest.
Serving Instructions
At 9-18 months, offer 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml / 1-1.5 fl oz) of soft, bite-sized apple or mashed apple as one part of a meal. Pair it with protein (beans, fish, or eggs), whole grains, and a fat source. Always serve soft or finely grated and monitor closely, as raw apple remains a strong choking risk.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Apple to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
After 18 months, if your child is an established, confident chewer, you may offer very thinly sliced raw apple (no thicker than 3 mm / 1/8"). For many toddlers, steamed or baked apple remains safest until closer to 24 months or beyond. Always avoid large raw chunks or firm slices, and supervise closely. Apple can also be served in small, soft cubes, whole baked halves, or grated fresh. Adjust texture based on your child’s chewing skills.
Serving Instructions
For 18 months and older, continue to serve 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml / 1-2 fl oz) of apple, steamed, baked, or very thinly sliced raw, as part of a varied plate. Combine with leafy greens, whole grains, and protein options to encourage balanced eating habits. Watch closely if offering raw apple and adapt texture to your child’s chewing abilities.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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