For babies starting solids, dates make a wonderful natural sweetener in porridge, yogurt, and bakes — but the pits are a serious choking hazard, and their stickiness means careful preparation matters.
When babies can eat dates
Babies can eat well-prepared dates from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness for solids.
ALWAYS remove the pit (stone) — date pits are roughly almond-sized, very hard, and a documented choking risk. Cut each date in half along its length and check both halves; sometimes a piece of pit remains.
Soak firm dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them before mashing or chopping. Medjool dates are usually soft enough out of the pack; deglet noor benefit from soaking.
Dates are very sticky once warm — small pieces can compact in a baby's mouth. For under-12-month-olds, blend dates into a smooth paste or finely chop and mix with yogurt or oat porridge rather than offering whole or in chunks.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Nutritional benefits for babies
- 💚Naturally rich in fibre — supports healthy digestion and bowel regularity.
- 💚Plant-based iron contributes to oxygen transport; pair with vitamin C foods for better absorption.
- 💚Potassium and magnesium support nerve and muscle development.
- 💚Natural caramel sweetness — a useful no-added-sugar way to flavour porridge, yogurt, and baby bakes.
- 💚Small B-vitamin contribution (B6, niacin) supports brain and energy metabolism.
How to serve dates for babies
6–9 months: Date paste — pit, soak 10 minutes, then blend with a splash of water to a smooth puree. Stir 1 teaspoon into porridge, yogurt, or mashed banana. This is the safest way to introduce dates.
6–9 months (BLW): A long, thin smear of date paste on a finger of toast or pancake. Avoid whole dates or large chunks at this stage.
9–12 months: Very finely chopped pitted dates in oat porridge or yogurt; a small amount of date paste folded into baby pancakes or bliss balls.
12+ months: Pitted, soft Medjool dates cut into small pieces and served in oatmeal cookies, mild tagines, or as occasional sweet treats. Always supervise.
How to prepare sticky fruits for BLW
For safe shapes and sizes by age, see our detailed How to prepare sticky fruits for BLW guide.
Also check how to cut food for baby-led weaning for general BLW cutting tips.
Date recipes for babies
We're adding more dates recipes. Check back soon.
Browse all baby recipes →See all dates recipes for babies. Explore baby breakfast recipes, baby-led weaning recipes and first foods for baby for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies eat Dates?
Yes. Babies can eat Dates starting around 6 months when they begin solid foods. It should be served in a safe texture and size for babies.
When can babies eat Dates?
Babies can eat Dates from around 6 months when starting solids. Babies can eat well-prepared dates from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness for solids. ALWAYS remove the pit (stone) — date pits are roughly almond-sized, very hard, and a documented choking risk. Cut each date in half along its length and check both halves; sometimes a piece of pit remains. Soak firm dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them before mashing or chopping. Medjool dates are usually soft enough out of the pack; deglet noor benefit from soaking. Dates are very sticky once warm — small pieces can compact in a baby's mouth. For under-12-month-olds, blend dates into a smooth paste or finely chop and mix with yogurt or oat porridge rather than offering whole or in chunks.
Is Dates a choking hazard for babies?
Dates can be a choking hazard if served in unsafe shapes. ALWAYS remove the pit — cut each date in half lengthways and inspect. Pits are hard, slippery, and almond-sized — a serious choking hazard. Under 12 months, prefer date paste or finely chopped dates over whole dates or large chunks; the stickiness can compact in small mouths. Soak firm varieties (e.g. deglet noor) in hot water for 10 minutes before mashing — Medjool dates are usually soft enough as-is. Wash dates before use; commercial dates are sometimes coated in glucose syrup or lightly fermented — pick plain dates with no added ingredients. Brush gums or wipe with a clean damp cloth after a date snack — dates are very sticky and increase early-childhood tooth-decay risk if left on teeth. Like all dried fruits, dates concentrate sugar — small amounts add a lot of sweetness. Use as flavouring, not as a snack staple.
Is Dates a common allergen?
Dates is not typically a common allergen for babies. Many babies can try it from around 6 months as part of a varied diet.
How should Dates be served to babies?
6–9 months: Date paste — pit, soak 10 minutes, then blend with a splash of water to a smooth puree. Stir 1 teaspoon into porridge, yogurt, or mashed banana. This is the safest way to introduce dates. 6–9 months (BLW): A long, thin smear of date paste on a finger of toast or pancake. Avoid whole dates or large chunks at this stage. 9–12 months: Very finely chopped pitted dates in oat porridge or yogurt; a small amount of date paste folded into baby pancakes or bliss balls. 12+ months: Pitted, soft Medjool dates cut into small pieces and served in oatmeal cookies, mild tagines, or as occasional sweet treats. Always supervise.
What nutrients does Dates provide for babies?
Dates provides nutrients like potassium, fibre, vitamin C, iron that support babies' growth and development.
How long can I store Dates for babies?
Cook Dates to a safe temperature and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze in single-serving portions for up to 1 month to preserve nutrients.
Should I buy organic Dates for my baby?
Organic Dates isn't strictly necessary for babies, but some families prefer to reduce pesticide exposure. Wash conventional produce thoroughly. Variety and freshness matter most.
How should I introduce Dates for the first time?
Offer a small amount of Dates in an age-appropriate texture when your baby is hungry but not starving, ideally early in the day so you can watch for any reactions over several hours.
Is Dates a good finger food for babies?
Yes. Dates can be an excellent finger food for babies when cut into strips or soft pieces they can grasp. Make sure the texture mashes easily between your fingers.
What foods pair well with Dates for baby?
Dates can be combined with a variety of baby-friendly foods like grains, soft fruits, vegetables, or yogurt to build balanced meals.
Should I cook Dates before serving it to my baby?
Yes. Cook Dates until tender and easily mashable before serving it to your baby. Steaming, boiling, or roasting softens it enough to be safe.
How much Dates can a baby eat?
There's no fixed amount. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of Dates from around 6 months and let your baby regulate intake. Breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition in the first year.
Should I peel or remove the pit from Dates for my baby?
Yes. Before serving Dates to your baby, remove any inedible parts (skin, seeds, pit, or tough core) as recommended in the safety guide to reduce choking risk.
How should I store Dates fresh for my baby?
Store fresh Dates in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator crisper drawer, depending on the food. Wash just before preparing and use it when ripe and firm for the best quality for your baby.
Safety tips
- ✓ALWAYS remove the pit — cut each date in half lengthways and inspect. Pits are hard, slippery, and almond-sized — a serious choking hazard.
- ✓Under 12 months, prefer date paste or finely chopped dates over whole dates or large chunks; the stickiness can compact in small mouths.
- ✓Soak firm varieties (e.g. deglet noor) in hot water for 10 minutes before mashing — Medjool dates are usually soft enough as-is.
- ✓Wash dates before use; commercial dates are sometimes coated in glucose syrup or lightly fermented — pick plain dates with no added ingredients.
- ✓Brush gums or wipe with a clean damp cloth after a date snack — dates are very sticky and increase early-childhood tooth-decay risk if left on teeth.
- ✓Like all dried fruits, dates concentrate sugar — small amounts add a lot of sweetness. Use as flavouring, not as a snack staple.
Make Starting Solids Simple
Nibli helps parents confidently introduce new foods with simple recipes, feeding schedules, and cutting guides.
Try Nibli today to start planning your baby's meals.