Allergen note
Apples rarely cause allergies, but they can trigger mild itching or swelling around the mouth (oral allergy syndrome). Cooking the apple can reduce this risk.
How to serve
At 6–8 months, offer smooth, unsweetened cooked apple purée or large, very soft cooked apple wedges to hold. From 9 months, offer small, soft cooked pieces for the pincer grasp. After 12 months, try finely grated raw apple or paper-thin slices.
Preparation
Wash, peel and core the apple, then steam, bake or simmer it until a fork slides in easily; tart cooking apples such as Bramley collapse quickly into a soft puree. Mash or blend it, or cut it into wedges or small pieces. Add no sugar: mix tart apples with ripe pear or banana, or add a pinch of cinnamon.
Texture and choking risk
Raw apple is a common choking hazard because hard pieces snap off and are difficult to chew. Until your child chews well, serve apple cooked until very soft, finely grated or in paper-thin slices, keep your child seated and always supervise.
Sources: cdc.gov · cdc.gov · healthychildren.org · healthychildren.org · nhs.uk · nhs.uk
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Recipes with apple
ABC Soft Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot)
Soft-Baked Apple & Oat Teething Fingers
Apple & Flaxseed Oat Drop Scones
Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple
Homemade Chicken & Apple Sausage Fingers
Gentle Chicken Liver Pâté (Once a Week)
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries apple, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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