HeySolids
Choking risk
Lychee is a high choking risk. It is small, round, firm, and slippery - the same shape as a whole grape, which the CDC names among the top choking hazards for young children - and it holds a large hard pit.[1]
Always peel it, take the pit out, and quarter the flesh lengthwise. Keep cutting it small until at least age 4, and never serve a whole lychee. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.
Allergens
Lychee is not a common food allergen, so a true allergy to it is rare.[3]
Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
If baby refuses
Lychee is sweet and perfumed, which is unfamiliar rather than difficult, so it often just takes a few tries. Stir finely chopped or mashed lychee through oatmeal or plain yogurt, or serve it alongside mango. Keep it peeled, pitted, and cut small however you serve it.
How to serve
6+ months old
Peeled, pitted, and mashed
Skin off and pit out, then mashed smooth
Peel off the skin and pop out the large pit, then mash a ripe, soft lychee and fold it through a scoopable food like oatmeal, plain whole-milk yogurt, or ricotta. Never offer a whole or halved lychee at this age - mashing removes the round, airway-sized shape.
How to cook
No cooking needed - just peel, remove the pit, and mash the ripe flesh before serving.
9+ months old
Peeled, pitted, quartered lengthwise
Skin off and pit out, then each lychee cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
Peel and pit each lychee, then quarter it lengthwise and offer the slivers for pincer practice. If the slippery pieces are hard to grip, roll them in a little infant cereal, or keep mashing it into a scoopable food. Never serve a whole lychee, and always check the pit is out.
How to cook
No cooking needed - just peel, pit, and quarter ripe lychees lengthwise before serving.
12+ months old
Peeled, pitted, quartered lengthwise
Quarters about 1/2 inch across
Peel each lychee, take the pit out, and cut the flesh lengthwise into quarters. Serve them as finger food, or stir chopped lychee through oatmeal, yogurt, or fruit salad. Keep cutting them small until at least age 4 - the shape is the hazard, and it doesn't change as they get older. Never serve a whole lychee.
How to cook
No cooking needed - serve ripe lychee raw once peeled, pitted, and cut lengthwise into quarters.