HeySolids
Choking risk
A ripe, soft peach with the pit removed is a low choking risk, but the hard pit is a serious one, so always take it out and check the fruit before serving.
Serve only ripe fruit that squashes easily between two fingers; cook a firm or underripe peach until soft, and peel the skin for younger babies. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.
Allergens
Peach is not a common food allergen, so a true food allergy to it is rare.[3]
Start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
If baby refuses
Peach is rarely refused. If yours turns it down, check it is fully ripe, since underripe peach is tart and firm. Try warming the slices, stirring puree into oatmeal or yogurt, or peeling off the fuzzy skin, which some babies dislike.
How to serve
6+ months old
Large peeled pitted half or wedge
A peeled pitted half or wedge about finger length
Peel a very ripe, pitted peach and offer it as a half or large wedge to hold, suck, and gnaw. Because peeled peach is slippery, roll it in a little ground oat or infant cereal for grip.
The flesh should mash readily when pressed between your fingers. You can also blend ripe peach into a smooth puree and serve it on a pre-loaded spoon or stirred into oatmeal or yogurt.
How to cook
No cooking is needed if the peach is fully ripe and soft. For firmer fruit, halve and pit it, then steam or poach for about 3 to 5 minutes until a piece squashes easily between two fingers. Peach is high in water, so you may not need extra liquid when blending.
9+ months old
Thin peeled slices or soft pieces
Thin slices, or about 1/2 inch pieces
Offer thin slices of soft, ripe peach, peeled now that baby is moving to smaller pieces, for pincer practice. The flesh should still mash easily when pressed. Because peach is slippery, rolling pieces in a little ground oat helps baby grip them, or keep offering a larger pitted wedge alongside.
How to cook
Ripe peach can be served raw. If the fruit is firm, halve and pit it, then poach briefly until soft enough to squash easily between two fingers.
12+ months old
Slices or small pieces
Thin slices or bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch
Peach can be offered in more shapes as chewing skills grow, as long as the fruit is ripe and soft. Serve thin slices or bite-sized pieces alongside a fork for utensil practice, or stir diced peach into oatmeal or yogurt. Ripe skin-on peach is fine now when the fruit is soft.
How to cook
Ripe peach works well raw at this stage. Firmer fruit can be poached, stewed into a soft compote with a little cinnamon, or baked until tender as a simple family dessert.