Allergen note
Medjool dates are not a common allergen and are generally well-tolerated; introduce them as a smooth paste to avoid choking and watch for rare oral allergy syndrome.
How to serve
For babies 6+ months, mash one pitted date into a smooth paste and mix into oatmeal or yogurt. For toddlers, offer 1-2 finely chopped dates as a finger food or mixed into soft foods.
Preparation
Always remove the pits and finely chop or puree dates to prevent choking; steaming or simmering can soften them further for easier digestion.
Texture and choking risk
Due to their sticky texture and pit hazard, never serve whole or halved dates to infants/toddlers; instead, finely chop and mix into a soft food, always under close supervision.
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.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries medjool dates, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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