HeySolids
Choking risk
Whole grapes are a high choking risk - round, firm, and slick, they are among the foods both the CDC and AAP single out as a top cause of choking in young children.
Never serve a grape whole or halved, since a round piece can seal the airway. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.
Allergens
Grapes are not a common food allergen, so a true food allergy to them is rare.[3]
With grapes, choking is the real concern, not allergy. Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
If baby refuses
Grapes are sweet and usually well liked. If yours turns them down as finger food, stir burst or cooked grapes into oatmeal or yogurt, or offer them next to other soft fruit.
How to serve
6+ months old
Burst and mashed
For young babies, warm grapes until they burst, then mash them and fold them through a scoopable food like oatmeal, plain whole-milk yogurt, or ricotta. Never offer a whole or halved grape.
Always check for seeds and remove any large or firm ones before serving.
How to cook
No cooking is needed. To soften grapes, simmer in a splash of water for 2 to 3 minutes until they burst, then mash and let cool before serving.
9+ months old
Quartered lengthwise
Each grape cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
Quarter grapes lengthwise and remove seeds. Set the small pieces on the tray for pincer-grasp practice. Large, oblong grapes cut into long, narrow quarters that are easier to grip. If the pieces are tricky, keep stirring burst grapes into a scoopable food for now.
How to cook
No cooking is needed - just quarter ripe grapes lengthwise. Firmer grapes can be warmed briefly until they soften.
12+ months old
Quartered lengthwise
Each grape cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
Carry on quartering grapes lengthwise, from stem to base. Keep cutting them this small well past the first birthday - whole and round-halved grapes stay a serious choking risk for years, so wait until around age 4 before moving to lengthwise halves.
How to cook
Serve raw once cut lengthwise into quarters. Grapes can also go into oatmeal or baked dishes burst or cooked, but any loose grapes on the plate must still be cut small.