Dried Plums 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 Plums in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: October 2026
Safety Information
Always read the safety guidance before servingHow to Serve Dried Plums to a 6–9 Months Old
Milestones for 6–9 monthsPrepare with care
Only if soaked in hot water and puréed or mashed until completely smooth
CDC lists dried fruit as a choking hazard for babies; soak thoroughly and purée or mash completely smooth before serving.
How to Cut
Dried plums, also known as prunes, can pose a significant choking risk if served whole or even halved. For this age group, always soak dried plums in hot water until very soft, then finely mash or purée until completely smooth, checking for any remaining tough skins or pieces. Avoid offering whole or chopped prunes to babies under 9 months. The purée can be served on its own, stirred into warm cereals, or mixed with yogurt to introduce new flavors and support healthy digestion.
Serving Instructions
For babies 6-9 months, dried plums should be offered as a smooth purée after soaking in hot water until very soft. Serve about 1-2 teaspoons (5-10g/0.18-0.35oz) as part of a balanced meal rich in iron (such as oatmeal or iron-fortified baby cereal) and pair with a source of healthy fats (like full-fat yogurt) to support nutrient absorption. Avoid offering whole pieces, as they pose a choking risk. Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any reactions.
How to Serve Dried Plums to a 9–18 Months Old
Milestones for 9–12 monthsPrepare with care
Only if soaked until soft and cut into small, pea-sized pieces
CDC identifies dried fruit as a choking hazard; ensure pieces are soaked soft and cut into small pea-sized pieces.
How to Cut
For children in this age group, dried plums should still be softened by soaking in warm water until very tender. After soaking, cut each prune into small, pea-sized pieces (about 0.5 cm/0.2 inches) to reduce the risk of choking. Alternatively, continue to mash or finely chop depending on your child's chewing skills. Always supervise closely and avoid serving whole prunes or large chunks. Dried plums can be added as small pieces to oatmeal, porridge, or yogurt.
Serving Instructions
From 9-18 months, offer dried plums cut into very small pieces (about pea-sized) or continue with mashed/puréed form if your child prefers. Serve about 1 tablespoon (15g/0.53oz) alongside foods high in protein and iron, such as scrambled eggs or chicken, and a variety of vegetables for balance. Monitor for any signs of allergies and avoid serving large portions to prevent digestive upset.
How to Serve Dried Plums to a 18+ Months Old
Milestones for 18–24 monthsPrepare with care
Only if soft and cut into small bite-sized pieces or thin strips
AAP and CDC recommend modifying chewy dried fruits into small bite-sized pieces to prevent choking in toddlers.
How to Cut
At this stage, children can handle slightly larger pieces, but choking is still a risk with dried fruits. Soften dried plums in warm water if they are hard, and cut them into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces (no larger than 1 cm/0.4 inches). Monitor your child closely and encourage them to chew thoroughly. Whole dried plums are still not recommended for toddlers under 3 years. Dried plums can be offered as part of snack plates, mixed with grains, or incorporated into homemade bars, but always ensure pieces are manageable and safe.
Serving Instructions
For children 18 months and older, you may offer dried plums cut into small bite-sized pieces (no larger than 1 cm/0.4 inches) or thin strips, always ensuring they are soft enough to chew. Serve about 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g/0.53-1.06oz) as part of a snack plate with grains, cheese, or nut butters (if already introduced). Maintain variety at each meal and continue to pair prunes with iron- and protein-rich foods. Even at this age, supervise closely and avoid whole dried plums.
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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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