How to Cut Apricot for Baby
Last updated July 2026
Ripe, soft apricots may be offered when a baby is developmentally ready for solids, usually around six months. Always wash them and remove the entire hard stone, checking for fragments.
Mash very soft flesh or offer a manageable tender portion for a baby who handles finger foods. Cook firm apricots to soften them; remove tough skin when needed. Whole sticky dried apricots are not an appropriate shortcut. No fixed dimension eliminates choking risk.
Quick answer
Apricot flesh can be offered from around six months if ripe and soft or cooked until easily mashed. Developmental feeding readiness matters more than calendar age.
Select Baby's Age
6–8 months
Beginning solids: mash or very soft fruit
Wash, pit and inspect the apricot. Mash soft peeled flesh for spoon feeding or offer a tender graspable section if the baby manages finger food. Steam or simmer firm fruit until it crushes easily, then cool. No specific wedge width certifies safety.
6 month baby feeding schedule for more tips.
9–11 months
As grasp develops: tender small portions
When the child handles smaller foods, offer fully pitted soft apricot pieces that flatten under gentle finger pressure. Continue mashed fruit if slippery pieces are difficult to manage. Avoid whole sticky dried fruit.
12+ months
Toddler servings: pit-free and soft
Give ripe, pitted apricot portions adapted to chewing skills; cook underripe fruit until tender. Whole dried apricots may remain sticky and difficult to chew even after the first birthday.
When can babies try apricot?
Wash the fruit, remove its pit completely and peel skin that remains chewy. Avoid raw firm pieces and whole dried apricots for beginning eaters.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Apricot recipe ideas for babies
Once your baby is comfortable with plain apricot, try these simple, sugar-free ways to serve it.
- Stewed apricot mashed into warm oatmeal for a naturally sweet breakfast.
- Soft, peeled apricot wedges lightly steamed for early eaters.
- Apricot mashed with banana or pear for a gentle fruit blend.
- Apricot puree stirred into plain whole-milk yogurt for a creamy snack.
Explore our baby-led weaning food list and first foods for baby for more inspiration.
More Cutting Guides
Related Guides
View all feeding guidesSources & References
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations:
- ●NHS - Your Baby's First Solid Foods NHS
- ●AAP - Starting Solid Foods AAP
- ●AAP - Choking Prevention AAP
