
Can be served at every age in a safe size and texture, as described below. Choking risk is very high (5/5). Low allergen risk.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Prepare with care
Only if soaked in warm water until soft and pureed or mashed smooth
The CDC identifies dried fruits like raisins as choking hazards; they should be rehydrated in warm water and mashed or pureed to a completely smooth texture.
Raisins present a very high choking risk for babies under 18 months due to their small, sticky, and chewy texture. At this age, only offer raisins if they are thoroughly rehydrated in warm water until plump and then finely mashed or blended into a puree. Never serve whole or chopped raisins to babies in this age group. You can mix the mashed or pureed raisins into warm cereals or yogurt for added sweetness and nutrients. Remember: Never leave a baby unattended while eating raisins, even if mashed.
At this stage, raisins should only be served after they’ve been thoroughly rehydrated and mashed into a smooth puree. Offer a small portion—about 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of mashed raisins—mixed into other foods such as warm whole grain cereal, yogurt, or pureed fruit. This approach adds natural sweetness and nutrients but minimizes choking risk. Combine with a source of iron and healthy fat, such as fortified cereal or avocado, for a balanced meal. Always ensure the consistency is smooth to avoid any lumps.
Prepare with care
Only if soaked until plump and finely chopped or mashed
The CDC lists dried fruit as a choking hazard; raisins should be soaked until plump and finely chopped or mashed rather than served whole.
Continue to treat raisins as a potential choking hazard. If introducing raisins during this age, they must still be thoroughly soaked in warm water to become plump, then finely chopped or mashed before offering. Avoid serving whole raisins, as children in this age group might still struggle to chew and swallow them safely. Chopped, softened raisins can be mixed into oatmeal, yogurt, or other soft foods. Always supervise closely during meals to reduce the risk of choking.
For children 9–18 months, continue to offer raisins only after soaking in warm water until plump, then finely chopped or mashed. A serving size of about 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) is suitable, mixed into oatmeal, yogurt, or soft diced fruits. Complement the meal with sources of protein (such as plain Greek yogurt or scrambled egg) and cooked vegetables or fruit for variety. Monitor your child closely for readiness to handle very soft chunks, and always serve raisins as part of a broader meal rather than a snack to encourage slower eating.
Prepare with care
Only if softened, chopped, or served individually to competent chewers
The AAP and CDC identify dried fruit as a choking risk for young children under 4; raisins should be softened, chopped, or offered individually to confident chewers.
While older toddlers can handle raisins better, choking remains a possibility, especially if eaten quickly or in bulk. Offer whole raisins to children over 18 months only when they are confidently chewing a wide variety of textures and have shown good oral skills. Serve a small handful (about 10–15 grams / 0.35–0.5 oz) at a time, ideally as part of a meal with other foods to slow eating. Continue to supervise closely and encourage your child to eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
Children 18 months and older can usually eat whole raisins if they are chewing and swallowing confidently. Offer a small handful (about 10–15 grams, or roughly 1–2 tablespoons) with a meal—not as a quick snack—to slow the pace of eating and minimize choking risk. Include alongside sources of protein (like cheese or yogurt) and healthy fats (such as nut butters if tolerated) for a nutritious, balanced plate. Avoid letting your child walk, play, or run with raisins in their mouth. Always supervise during meals.
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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:
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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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