HeySolids
Choking risk
A whole prune is a moderate choking risk - it is dense, chewy, and sticky, and a missed pit is hard and round.
Feel through each pitted prune for a stray pit, then soak or stew until very soft and puree or finely chop it. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.
Allergens
Prune 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
Prunes are deeply sweet and usually go down well. If the flavor is too intense alone, stir a little puree through oatmeal, plain yogurt, or mashed potato. Keep amounts modest, since prunes act strongly on the bowels in quantity.
How to serve
6+ months old
Pureed or finely mashed
Spoon-fed puree, or stirred through soft food
Soak or stew pitted prunes until very soft, then puree them or mash them fine. Feel through each prune for a stray pit first. Serve on a pre-loaded spoon, or stir a spoonful through oatmeal or whole-milk yogurt. Dried fruit is sticky and clings to teeth, so offer prunes with meals rather than as a snack, and keep portions small.
How to cook
Simmer pitted prunes in water for about 10 minutes until plump and very soft, then blend smooth, adding a little of the cooking water if needed.
9+ months old
Finely chopped soft prunes
Small soft pieces, about 1/4 inch
Soak or stew pitted prunes until soft, feel through each one for a stray pit, then chop finely. Offer the soft pieces for pincer practice, or stir them through oatmeal or yogurt. Skip whole or large sticky pieces at this stage.
How to cook
Simmer pitted prunes in water for about 10 minutes until plump and soft, then chop fine.
12+ months old
In family meals
Chopped, about 1/2 inch - not whole
Offer soaked or stewed prunes chopped into bite-sized pieces, or stirred through oatmeal, yogurt, and baked goods. Feel through each prune for a stray pit first. Dried fruit is sticky and clings to teeth, so serve prunes with meals rather than as a snack, and keep portions small. Whole prunes are still too dense and sticky to hand over.
How to cook
Simmer pitted prunes in water for about 10 minutes until plump and soft, then chop. Cooked prunes keep in the fridge for a few days.
Tips
- They work for constipation - start small. Prunes are the classic remedy for a backed-up baby, and they work: a spoonful or two of puree is usually enough. Too much and you'll swing the other way, so start with a little and wait a day before offering more.