Dried Apricots for Babies
Can be served at every age in a safe size and texture, as described below. Choking risk is high (4/5). Low allergen risk.
Find recipes with Dried Apricots in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: October 2026
Safety Information
Always read the safety guidance before servingHow to Serve Dried Apricots to a 6–9 Months Old
Milestones for 6–9 monthsPrepare with care
Only if soaked or cooked until soft and pureed smooth
The CDC identifies uncooked dried fruit as a choking hazard.
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
Milestones for 9–12 monthsPrepare with care
Only if soaked or cooked until soft and finely chopped or pureed
The CDC identifies uncooked dried fruit as a choking hazard.
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
Milestones for 18–24 monthsPrepare with care
Only if soaked or cooked until soft and cut into small pieces
The CDC identifies uncooked dried fruit as a choking hazard.
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 as part of a balanced diet.
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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.
- Talk to your pediatrician: If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has feeding difficulties, check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods.
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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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