Banana for Babies

Complete guide on how to prepare and serve banana to your baby, by age.

High in Vitamin CEasy to DigestPotassium-RichFiber-RichEnergy-Boosting

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Very Low (1/5)

Choking Hazard

Low (2/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Banana to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

For babies 6-9 months, banana can be offered in several safe ways. The easiest method is to peel a ripe banana and cut it into spears about the length and width of your index finger. This size allows babies to grasp the banana easily and gnaw on it safely. You can also leave a bit of the peel at the bottom as a 'handle' for less slippery grip. Alternatively, mash the banana thoroughly and serve it on a preloaded spoon for baby to self-feed. Avoid round slices at this age as they can be a choking hazard.

Serving Instructions

Serve banana as part of a balanced meal that includes a source of iron, such as fortified baby cereal, egg, or lentils, and introduce a colorful vegetable for variety. Offer about 15-30g (0.5-1 oz) of banana, which is roughly a quarter to half a small banana, depending on your baby’s appetite. Ensure the meal offers a mix of protein, healthy fat, and vitamin C to support absorption of iron. Always supervise your baby during meals.

How to Serve Banana to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

At this age, banana can be offered in smaller pieces as your child develops their pincer grasp. Cut the banana into bite-sized pieces or thin half-moon slices. If your child is still learning to chew, continue offering larger spears or mashed banana on a preloaded spoon. Always supervise closely and avoid large chunks or round pieces that can be a choking hazard.

Serving Instructions

Banana can be included as a snack or part of a meal with other nutrient-dense foods. Offer about 30-45g (1-1.5 oz), which is roughly half a medium banana. Combine with a protein source (yogurt, nut butter if safe, or beans) and a whole grain. Continue to provide variety at meals and encourage self-feeding. Supervise your child and watch for signs of readiness to handle more complex textures.

How to Serve Banana to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

For children over 18 months, banana can be offered in almost any shape, including whole (peeled), thick slices, or even incorporated into other foods. Encourage your child to use utensils, but always supervise closely as some may still be learning to chew thoroughly and large chunks can still pose a choking risk. Avoid offering unripe or overly firm banana as it may be harder to chew.

Serving Instructions

Children over 18 months can enjoy whole bananas or have them sliced, mashed, or blended into smoothies and baked goods. Serve about 45-60g (1.5-2 oz), the equivalent of a small banana or two-thirds of a medium one. Include banana with fiber-rich foods, proteins, and healthy fats for sustained energy. Encourage your child to use utensils and try new textures, but continue to supervise as choking risk is not eliminated.