No. 54 · Fruit Passport food
When can babies have kiwi?
Can babies have kiwi?
Babies can have kiwi from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids. Choose a ripe kiwi that gives to gentle pressure, peel it and mash it smooth at first, then offer halves or thick spears that squash easily from 7–8 months. Kiwi is acidic and can cause a harmless rash around the mouth, and kiwi allergy is uncommon but on the rise.
How to serve kiwi by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Peel a ripe kiwi that gives to gentle pressure and mash it with a fork until smooth, or blend it. Serve it on a spoon or preloaded spoon, on its own or stirred into plain yogurt just before serving.
7–8 months
Mash kiwi more roughly so it has soft lumps, or offer a ripe, peeled kiwi cut in half crosswise or into thick wedges about the length of an adult finger that squash easily. If it is too slippery to hold, roll it in finely ground oats or infant cereal.
9–12 months
Cut ripe, peeled kiwi into small pieces about the size of a chickpea for pincer-grasp practice. You can also mash kiwi into plain yogurt just before serving or spread it on toast strips.
12 months +
Offer bite-size pieces or thin slices of peeled kiwi on their own, in fruit salads or on yogurt. Gold kiwi is sweeter and smoother if your toddler finds green kiwi too tart.
Why it’s good
Kiwi is packed with vitamin C, and a small amount covers much of a baby's daily need. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from plant foods like beans, lentils and fortified cereals, so kiwi is a smart side for iron-rich meals. Kiwi also gives fiber, vitamin K, vitamin E and potassium.
Safety notes
- Only serve ripe kiwi that yields to gentle pressure. Underripe kiwi is firm and slippery and harder for babies to manage.
- Peel kiwi for babies. The fuzzy skin is edible for adults but is tough and hairy, and can be hard for young eaters to chew.
- Kiwi is acidic and often causes redness or a rash around the mouth where it touches the skin. This is usually irritation, not allergy, but hives that spread, swelling or vomiting need medical advice.
- Kiwi has an enzyme that breaks down dairy proteins, so kiwi mixed into yogurt or milk can turn bitter if it sits. Mix it in just before serving.
- Skip kiwi juice before 12 months. Whole fruit is better than juice for babies and toddlers.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Kiwi is not a Top 9 allergen, but kiwi allergy is increasingly reported in children and can sometimes be severe. Offer a small amount first and watch for hives, swelling, vomiting or wheezing; children with a latex allergy or certain pollen allergies are more likely to react to kiwi, so check with your pediatrician first.
Kiwi for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about kiwi for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have kiwi?
Babies can have kiwi from about 6 months, when they are ready for solids. Start with ripe, peeled kiwi mashed smooth on a spoon, then offer large halves or thick spears that squash easily between your fingers from 7–8 months.
Can babies have kiwi?
Yes, babies can eat kiwi from 6 months. Kiwi is a soft, vitamin C rich fruit that is easy to serve once it is fully ripe and peeled.
Is kiwi a choking hazard for babies?
Kiwi is a moderate choking risk, so serve it ripe, peeled and cut to the right size for your baby's age. Firm, underripe kiwi can be slippery and harder to manage, so wait until the fruit gives to gentle pressure.
Is kiwi a common allergen?
No, kiwi is not one of the Top 9 common allergens, but kiwi allergy is becoming more common in children. Introduce a small amount and watch for hives, swelling, vomiting or breathing changes, especially if your child has a latex or pollen allergy.
How do I serve kiwi to a 6 month old?
To serve kiwi to a 6 month old, peel a ripe kiwi and mash it smooth, then offer it on a spoon or preloaded spoon. Large halves or thick spears to hold can follow at 7–8 months.
Why does kiwi give my baby a rash around the mouth?
Kiwi often causes a red rash around a baby's mouth because the fruit is acidic and contains enzymes that irritate skin. This contact rash usually fades within an hour, but call your doctor if the rash spreads, turns into hives or comes with swelling or vomiting.
Do I need to peel kiwi for my baby?
Yes, peel kiwi for babies and young toddlers, because the fuzzy skin is tough and hard to chew. Older children can eat kiwi skin if they like it, especially the smoother skin of gold kiwi.
Are kiwi seeds safe for babies?
Kiwi seeds are safe for babies to eat and do not need to be removed. The tiny black seeds may show up in your baby's diaper, which is normal.
Does kiwi help with baby constipation?
Kiwi is a good fruit to offer when a baby is constipated, because it provides fiber and water and is often used to help soften stools. Serve kiwi along with other high-fiber foods like pears, prunes and oats, and talk to your pediatrician if constipation lasts.
Is kiwi good for babies?
Yes, kiwi is a good fruit for babies from about 6 months, packed with vitamin C plus fiber, vitamin K and potassium. Its vitamin C helps your baby absorb iron from beans, lentils and fortified cereals; choose a ripe kiwi, peel it and mash it smooth at first.
The takeaway
- Babies can have kiwi from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids.
- Peel a ripe kiwi that gives to gentle pressure and mash it with a fork until smooth, or blend it.
- Choking risk is medium. Not a Top 9 allergen, but offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.