Dried Apricots for Babies

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

High in Vitamin AFiber-RichNatural SweetnessIron SourceEasy to DigestImmune SupportivePotassium-RichAntioxidant Boost

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Very Low (1/5)

Choking Hazard

High (4/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Dried Apricots to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

Dried apricots are a significant choking hazard for babies under 12 months, as their chewy and sticky texture is difficult to manage. For babies 6–9 months, it’s safest to soak dried apricots in warm water for 10–15 minutes until soft, then puree until smooth. You can spoon-feed the puree alone, swirl it into oatmeal, or stir into plain yogurt. If you’d like to offer some texture, mash well with a fork and ensure there are no tough skins or stringy pieces left. Never offer whole, sliced, or chopped dried apricots at this age, as they are far too sticky and chewy.

Serving Instructions

For babies 6–9 months, serve dried apricots as a smooth puree only, after soaking them in warm water to rehydrate and soften. Portion size should be about 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml/0.5–1 oz) as part of a meal that also contains fat, protein and iron-rich foods such as fortified baby cereal, beans, or eggs. The vitamin C from dried apricots can help with iron absorption from plant-based foods, so pairing with iron-rich sources is optimal. Avoid offering whole pieces at this stage.

How to Serve Dried Apricots to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

Still a potential choking hazard, but at this age, you can introduce dried apricots in safer forms. Soak dried apricots in hot water until plump and soft (about 15–20 minutes), then finely chop or mash. For babies with an established pincer grasp, you may offer small, pea-sized pieces, but watch closely as the chewy texture still poses a risk. Alternatively, continue offering pureed or mashed apricot mixed into foods. Always supervise closely and consider the child’s eating skills. Do not offer whole or large pieces of dried apricot until chewing and swallowing skills are well developed.

Serving Instructions

Offer rehydrated, finely chopped or mashed dried apricots (about 1–2 tablespoons/15–30 ml/0.5–1 oz) as a snack or component of meals once your child shows reliable chewing. Combine with other fruits, oatmeal, yogurt, or iron-rich foods. Be sure to still pair with fat and protein for a balanced meal. If offering as finger food, ensure each piece is tiny—no larger than a pea. Always supervise closely, as dried apricots can still be challenging to chew thoroughly.

How to Serve Dried Apricots to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

At this stage, many toddlers can handle soft, finely chopped dried apricots, but choking is still possible. Always soak until very soft and cut into small, manageable pieces (no bigger than 1 cm/0.4 in). For cautious eaters or those still developing chewing skills, continue to mash or finely chop. Dried apricots can also be blended into energy balls or bars, but ensure other ingredients are age-appropriate and do not add to choking risk. Monitor your child closely while eating and avoid distractions at the table.

Serving Instructions

Serve 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml/0.5–1 oz) of rehydrated, finely chopped dried apricots as part of a varied meal. At this stage, you can mix dried apricots into oatmeal, cereal bars, or homemade energy bites, ensuring all other components are age-appropriate. Continue pairing with healthy fats and proteins. Encourage independent eating but always supervise, as choking risk, though reduced, is not eliminated. Offer alongside foods rich in iron and calcium for a nutrition boost.