Allergen note
Pear is one of the least allergenic fruits, which is why it is a popular first food. Rarely, children with birch-pollen allergy get an itchy mouth from raw pear. Offer it on its own at first and watch for any rash or itching.
How to serve
At 6–8 months, offer very ripe pear as large peeled wedges, or steam firmer pear and mash it. From 9 months, serve small soft pieces your baby can pick up; from 12 months, thin slices of ripe pear work well. Offer the fruit rather than pear juice.
Preparation
Wash, then remove the core, all seeds and the stem. A pear that yields to gentle pressure can be served raw; firm pears need about 5–10 minutes of steaming or poaching, or longer in the oven, until very soft. Grated raw pear stirred into oatmeal or yogurt works well too.
Texture and choking risk
Firm raw pear is a choking hazard because it breaks into hard chunks, and very ripe pear can be slippery. Serve raw pear only when it squashes easily, cook firm pear until soft, remove the seeds and core, and always supervise meals.
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.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries pear, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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