Allergen note
Mango is not a common allergen. The peel and the sap just under it contain compounds related to those in poison ivy, which can cause an itchy red rash around the mouth, so peel mango fully. Watch for hives, swelling or vomiting after first tastes.
How to serve
At 6–8 months, offer ripe mango mashed or as long, wide spears; roll slippery spears in ground oats or infant cereal for a better grip. From 9 months, cut soft mango into small bite-size pieces, and toddlers can have thin slices or diced mango with meals.
Preparation
Choose a mango that gives slightly when pressed and smells sweet. Wash and peel it completely, cut the flesh away from the flat pit, and slice or dice it. Steam firm or underripe mango for a few minutes until soft, and thaw frozen mango before serving.
Texture and choking risk
Ripe mango is soft, but firm unripe pieces, frozen chunks and stringy fibers are harder to manage. Check that each piece squashes easily between your fingers, don't give your child the pit to gnaw on, and always supervise with your baby seated upright.
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 mango
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries mango, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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