Allergen note
Orange is not a common allergen, and true citrus allergy is rare. Its acidic juice often reddens the skin around the mouth or causes diaper rash, which is usually harmless; hives, swelling or vomiting need medical advice. From 12 months, start with a few small pieces and watch how your child reacts.
How to serve
From 12 months, offer peeled, seedless segments with the tough membrane removed, cut into small bite-size pieces; once your toddler chews well, you can offer whole thin segments. Serve the fruit rather than orange juice, which is best kept to 120 ml4 ounces a day or less for toddlers.
Preparation
Wash the orange, then peel it and remove the white pith and all seeds. For young toddlers, cut the flesh out from between the membranes with a sharp knife. No cooking is needed; mash any firmer pieces into plain yogurt or oatmeal, and never add sugar.
Texture and choking risk
Orange membranes are tough and stringy and can make a toddler gag or get stuck in the throat, and seeds and peel are hazards too. Remove seeds and membranes, cut segments into small pieces until your child chews well, and always supervise with your child seated.
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 orange
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries orange, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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