When Can Babies Eat Apricot (Khubani)? Age & Safety

Apricot, or khubani, is a soft, sweet-tart fruit that makes a lovely early food for babies. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and fibre, and its gentle fibre content can help with digestion. Both fresh and dried apricot can work for babies, as long as you prepare them safely. Here is everything you need to know.

Quick Answer

Babies can start apricot from around 6 months, once they begin solids. For fresh apricot, choose a ripe, soft fruit, wash it, always remove the hard stone (a choking hazard), peel it for young babies, soften if needed, then mash or puree. For dried apricot, soak it until soft and puree or finely mash it — never give whole or chunky dried apricot, as it is sticky and chewy and can choke a baby. Apricot gives vitamin A, vitamin C and fibre, so it gently supports digestion (use in moderation). Never give apricot kernels or seeds — they contain a natural compound that releases cyanide and are unsafe for children. Use no added sugar, salt or honey.

What Age Can Babies Have Apricot

Most babies are ready for solids at around 6 months, when they can sit with support, hold their head steady and show interest in food. Apricot can be one of the first fruits you offer at this stage. Start with a smooth puree or soft mash, give a small amount as a single food, and watch for about 3 days before adding something new — this makes it easier to spot any reaction. From around 9–12 months, when your baby is handling textures well, you can offer small, soft pieces of ripe peeled apricot for self-feeding.

Nutrition Benefits

Apricot is a nutrient-dense little fruit. It offers:

• Vitamin A (beta-carotene) — supports healthy eyes, skin and immunity.
• Vitamin C — helps the body absorb iron and supports immunity.
• Fibre — supports smooth digestion and can help with constipation.
• Potassium — an important mineral for growing bodies.
• Some iron — dried apricot has a little, but it is not a major iron source, so babies still need iron-rich foods like dal, egg or meat after 6 months.

Its natural sweetness means most babies accept it easily, and it pairs well with many other first foods.

Fresh Apricot — How to Prepare

Fresh apricot is simple to prepare when you follow a few steps:

1. Choose a ripe one. A ripe apricot is soft to a gentle squeeze — easier to mash and naturally sweeter.
2. Wash it well under running water.
3. Remove the stone (pit). The hard central stone is a choking hazard. Cut the apricot around it and take it out completely — never leave it in.
4. Peel it for young babies, as the skin can be hard to manage early on.
5. Soften if firm. Steam the pieces briefly until tender.
6. Mash or puree to a smooth consistency. Loosen with a little breast milk, formula or water if needed.

Offer a small amount on its own the first few times. From around 9–12 months, you can serve soft, small finger-sized pieces of ripe peeled apricot for self-feeding, staying close while your baby eats.

Dried Apricot — Soak and Puree, Never Whole

Dried apricot (sookhi khubani) is a popular Indian dry fruit and a good source of iron and fibre — but it needs care for babies. In its dried form it is sticky, chewy and concentrated, which makes a whole piece or chunk a real choking hazard. Never give whole or chunky dried apricot to a baby or toddler.

To use it safely:

• Soak the dried apricots in warm water until they swell and soften.
• Puree or finely mash the softened fruit until smooth.
• Use a small amount — dried apricot is concentrated in natural sugar and fibre, so a little goes a long way.

Some dried fruits are treated with sulphur preservatives, so choose good-quality apricots and soak and rinse them well before use.

Safety — Never Give Apricot Kernels or Seeds

This is the most important safety point. The kernel inside the apricot stone — the inner “seed”, sometimes sold as apricot giri — contains a natural compound (amygdalin) that releases cyanide in the body. Even kernels sold as edible “bitter apricot” are not safe for babies or toddlers. Apricot kernels are not safe for children and should never be given to babies or toddlers. Always discard the stone and its inner kernel completely, and keep them out of reach. Babies should only ever eat the soft flesh of the fruit.

Digestion and Moderation

Apricot’s fibre gently supports digestion and can be helpful if your baby tends towards constipation. But that same fibre means too much apricot can loosen stools or cause tummy upset. Keep portions small and balanced with other foods, especially with dried apricot, which is more concentrated. Moderation lets your baby enjoy the benefits without an upset tummy.

Possible Reactions

Apricot is not a common allergen, but any new food can occasionally cause a reaction. After offering it, watch for signs such as a rash, swelling, vomiting, or persistently loose stools. If you notice anything, stop the food, reduce the amount, and speak to your paediatrician. Introducing apricot on its own for a few days makes it easier to tell what caused any reaction.

Easy Indian Ideas

• Apricot puree — smooth steamed-and-mashed fresh apricot on its own.
• Soaked-apricot mash with dahi — fold a little pureed soaked apricot into plain curd for older babies.
• Apricot and ragi — stir apricot puree into warm ragi porridge.
• Apricot and banana mash — mash soft apricot with ripe banana for a quick, sweet combo.

Remember: no added sugar, salt or honey.

When to See a Doctor

Speak to your paediatrician if your baby has a rash, swelling, repeated vomiting, breathing trouble, or ongoing loose stools after eating apricot. Also check in if your baby is consistently refusing solids, isn’t gaining weight as expected, or if you have any concern about starting new foods. When in doubt, your doctor is the best guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I give my 6-month-old apricot?

A: Yes. From around 6 months, once your baby is on solids, you can offer apricot as a smooth puree or soft mash. Always remove the stone and start with a small amount.

Q: Is dried apricot safe for babies?

A: Yes, if prepared correctly. Soak dried apricot until soft and puree or finely mash it. Never give whole or chunky dried apricot, as it is sticky and chewy and can cause choking. Use small amounts.

Q: Are apricot kernels or seeds safe for my baby?

A: No. Apricot kernels contain a natural compound that releases cyanide and are unsafe for children. Never give them to a baby or toddler. Babies should only eat the soft flesh.

Q: Can apricot help with my baby’s constipation?

A: Apricot’s fibre can gently help with digestion and constipation. Offer it in moderation, as too much can loosen stools.

Q: When can my baby eat apricot pieces instead of puree?

A: From around 9–12 months, when your baby handles textures well, you can offer small, soft pieces of ripe peeled apricot for self-feeding while staying close.

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This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult your paediatrician before starting new foods.