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Dried Apricots for Babies: When and How to Serve Them

Dried apricots are an inexpensive, shelf-stable, iron-rich dried fruit. They are sticky and chewy, a choking risk, so chop very small or soak and puree them from around 9 months.

When to introduce
Around 9 months
Common allergen?
No (not a common allergen)
Texture
Chopped very small, or soaked and pureed
Key nutrients
Iron, fiber, potassium

When can babies eat dried apricots?

Dried apricots are an inexpensive, shelf-stable, iron-rich dried fruit. They pack a lot of sweetness and nutrition into a small piece. They can join your baby's plate around 9 months, with one important step: dried apricots are sticky and chewy, which makes them a choking risk, so they need to be cut very small or softened first.

How to prepare dried apricots for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées, by age

9 monthsChop the apricots very small, or soak and cook them soft and puree, so the sticky, chewy texture is broken down.
12 monthsOffer finely chopped dried apricots, or a puree stirred into oatmeal or yogurt.
12 months+Serve dried apricots chopped small or cooked soft, keeping pieces well under a choking size.

Are dried apricots safe? Choking & prep

Dried apricots are sticky and chewy, which makes them a choking hazard, so for babies chop them very small, or soak and cook them soft, or puree them. Do not give whole or large pieces to a baby. Their fiber can help soften stools, which is useful during constipation. Some dried apricots contain sulfites as a preservative. This is not a common allergy, but you can choose unsulfured apricots if you prefer.

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Nutrition

Dried apricots are a good source of iron, which matters as your baby's own iron stores drop after about 6 months. They also provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin A. Pairing them with a vitamin C food helps your baby absorb the iron, and the fiber can gently help with constipation.

Goes well with

Oatmeal · Yogurt · Apple

Storage & freezing

Keep dried apricots in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

More fruits to explore

🍈
FigAround 6 months
🍊
GrapefruitAround 9 months
🍇
GrapesAround 6 months (quartered)
🍈
GuavaAround 6 months
🍈
Honeydew melonAround 8 months
🍈
JackfruitAround 6 to 9 months, when ripe

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat dried apricots?

Around 9 months, chopped very small or soaked and pureed, since they are sticky and chewy and a choking risk.

Can dried apricots help with constipation?

Yes, their fiber can help soften stools, which is useful during constipation. Offer them chopped very small or pureed.

Is dried apricot a common allergen?

No, dried apricots are not a common allergen. Some contain sulfites as a preservative, which is not a common allergy, but you can choose unsulfured if you prefer.

How do I serve dried apricots safely?

Chop them very small, or soak and cook them soft and puree them. Do not give whole or large pieces to a baby.

Sources

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How we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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