Quick answer
Babies can eat orange from around 6 months, once they're starting solids.
For baby-led weaning, serve orange in peeled segments with the membrane and any seeds removed; the tough pith and pips aren't suitable for babies.
Citrus acidity can cause a harmless red rash around the mouth in some babies, so introduce it on its own at first.
When babies can eat orange
Babies can eat orange from around 6 months, once they're starting solids.
Peel and remove all seeds and the tough membrane/pith; offer soft, juicy segments cut to a safe size.
Citrus acidity may cause a temporary red rash around the mouth (not a true allergy) — introduce on its own and watch the first few times.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Nutritional benefits for babies
- 💚Vitamin C — exceptionally high; supports immunity and helps the body absorb iron.
- 💚Folate — supports healthy growth and cell development.
- 💚Fibre — from the flesh, supports healthy digestion.
- 💚Potassium — supports muscle and heart function.
- 💚High water content — hydrating and naturally sweet-tart.
- 💚Antioxidants — support overall health.
How to serve orange for babies
6–9 months: Peel, deseed, and remove the membrane; cut large segments in half so they're easy to hold and gum. A big peeled segment can be offered to suck and gnaw under supervision.
6–9 months: Squeeze a little orange into purées or yoghurt, or mash soft segments — pair with iron-rich foods to boost iron absorption.
9–12 months: Small deseeded, de-membraned pieces as the pincer grasp develops.
12+ months: Orange segments, fruit salads, and clementines/mandarins (still deseeded and de-membraned for young toddlers).
How to prepare soft fruit for BLW
For safe shapes and sizes by age, see our detailed How to prepare soft fruit for BLW guide.
Also check how to cut food for baby-led weaning for general BLW cutting tips.
Orange recipes for babies
We're adding more orange recipes. Check back soon.
Browse all baby recipes →See all orange 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 Orange?
Yes. Babies can eat Orange 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 Orange?
Babies can eat Orange from around 6 months when starting solids. Babies can eat orange from around 6 months, once they're starting solids. Peel and remove all seeds and the tough membrane/pith; offer soft, juicy segments cut to a safe size. Citrus acidity may cause a temporary red rash around the mouth (not a true allergy) — introduce on its own and watch the first few times.
Is Orange a choking hazard for babies?
Orange can be a choking hazard if served in unsafe shapes. Always remove all seeds (pips) — they're a choking hazard — and the tough membrane and pith. Citrus acidity can cause a harmless rash around the mouth; wipe the area and it usually settles. Introduce on its own at first and watch for any reaction. Cut segments to a size appropriate for your baby's stage; never give whole small citrus segments that could be swallowed whole. Offer citrus as part of a varied diet — its acidity in large amounts can irritate; balance with milder foods. Always supervise eating with your baby sat upright.
Is Orange a common allergen?
Orange 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 Orange be served to babies?
6–9 months: Peel, deseed, and remove the membrane; cut large segments in half so they're easy to hold and gum. A big peeled segment can be offered to suck and gnaw under supervision. 6–9 months: Squeeze a little orange into purées or yoghurt, or mash soft segments — pair with iron-rich foods to boost iron absorption. 9–12 months: Small deseeded, de-membraned pieces as the pincer grasp develops. 12+ months: Orange segments, fruit salads, and clementines/mandarins (still deseeded and de-membraned for young toddlers).
What nutrients does Orange provide for babies?
Orange provides nutrients like potassium, fibre, vitamin C, iron that support babies' growth and development.
How long can I store Orange for babies?
Cook Orange 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 Orange for my baby?
Organic Orange 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 Orange for the first time?
Offer a small amount of Orange 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 Orange a good finger food for babies?
Yes. Orange 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 Orange for baby?
Orange pairs beautifully with plain yogurt, oatmeal, soft cheese, or other fruits like ripe pear and banana for varied baby meals.
Should I cook Orange before serving it to my baby?
Ripe, soft Orange can be served raw, cut into baby-safe shapes. If the texture still feels firm, steam it briefly until it mashes easily.
How much Orange can a baby eat?
There's no fixed amount. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of Orange 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 Orange for my baby?
Yes. Before serving Orange to your baby, remove any inedible parts (skin, seeds, pit, or tough core) as recommended in the safety guide to reduce choking risk.
Can I mix Orange with baby cereal?
Yes. Mashing Orange and stirring it into baby cereal (oat, rice, or multigrain) is a simple way to add flavor, fiber, and nutrients to your baby's meals.
How should I store Orange fresh for my baby?
Store fresh Orange 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 all seeds (pips) — they're a choking hazard — and the tough membrane and pith.
- ✓Citrus acidity can cause a harmless rash around the mouth; wipe the area and it usually settles.
- ✓Introduce on its own at first and watch for any reaction.
- ✓Cut segments to a size appropriate for your baby's stage; never give whole small citrus segments that could be swallowed whole.
- ✓Offer citrus as part of a varied diet — its acidity in large amounts can irritate; balance with milder foods.
- ✓Always supervise eating with your baby sat upright.
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verifiedSources & References
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations: