How to Prepare Dates for Baby
Last updated October 2026
Whole dates are sticky and chewy, and a hard pit may remain inside even when a packet says pitted. For a baby beginning solids, dates are optional; if used, inspect, soften and blend them into a smooth moist mixture instead of serving a whole date or chewy chunks.
Dates contain concentrated natural sugars. Using date paste rather than table sugar does not mean unlimited sweeteners are beneficial. NHS advises keeping dried fruit with meals rather than frequent snacks for dental health.
Quick answer
When ready for solids, usually around six months, an infant may have a small amount of completely pitted and smooth date purée mixed into moist food. A whole dried date is not a suitable first finger food.
Select Baby's Age
6–8 months
Beginning eater: smooth, moist purée only
Split and inspect each date. Remove every hard pit and stem, soak until soft, then purée thoroughly with water until no sticky lumps remain. Mix a little purée into an already familiar moist porridge or vegetable mash. Avoid offering whole dates, dry pieces, date balls or thick sticky strips. Check the final consistency and supervise seated meals.
6 month baby feeding schedule for more tips.
9–11 months
Growing grasp: avoid sticky pieces
A pincer grasp does not remove the risk from a sticky date chunk. Continue with fully pitted and thoroughly blended date purée dispersed through a moist meal. Avoid arbitrary pea-sized cubes or thin date strips described as 'safe': both may form sticky clumps in the mouth. Do not offer dry date snack bars as finger foods.
12+ months
Toddler: still avoid whole chewy dates
A first birthday does not make whole dried dates or sticky chunks automatically appropriate. Check each date for pits, and use a soft moist purée in porridge or another meal where appropriate. If introducing more texture to older children, follow individual chewing skills and local dried-fruit guidance. Keep dried fruit with meals rather than offering frequent sticky snacks.
When can babies have dates?
Split and inspect each date; remove pits, pit fragments and stems. If dry or firm, soak, then blend thoroughly with enough water to make a soft spoonable mixture that is not a dense sticky ball.
NHS explicitly advises against whole raisins and other dried fruits for babies under one. Sticky chewy pieces can still be difficult beyond a first birthday, so individual skill and texture matter.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Moist serving ideas with a little date purée
These are illustrated combinations, not physically verified kitchen recipes or encouragement to sweeten every meal.
- Smooth pitted date purée blended into plain oatmeal
- A small amount of thin date purée in familiar unsweetened yoghurt
- Completely blended soft date with mashed banana
- Soft cooked porridge incorporating a little smooth, moist date mixture
Explore our baby-led weaning food list and first foods for baby for more inspiration.
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View all feeding guidesFrequently Asked Questions
Does chopping dates into tiny pieces make them safe?
No specific piece size guarantees safety because sticky pieces may clump. Smooth moist purée is a simpler starting texture.
Are dates without added sugar fine for frequent snacks?
Dates contain concentrated natural sugar. NHS advises serving dried fruit with meals rather than as frequent snacks because of dental health.
Should I inspect dates labelled 'pitted'?
Yes. A hard fragment can remain; split and inspect every date before blending.
Are date energy balls suitable for toddlers?
Dense sticky date balls can be difficult to chew and swallow. Age alone does not resolve their texture risks; choose softer moist preparations.
Sources & References
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations:
- ●NHS - Preparing Food Safely for Babies NHS
- ●NHS - What to Feed Young Children: Dried Fruit NHS
- ●CDC — Choking Hazards (reviewed March 2026) CDC
- ●NHS - Your Baby's First Solid Foods NHS
