Fruit Food Library
When can babies have prunes?
Can babies have prunes?
Babies can have prunes from 6 months, soaked until soft and pureed, mashed or finely chopped. Prunes are a well-known gentle helper for baby constipation. Whole dried prunes are sticky and chewy, so they are a choking risk for babies.
How to serve prunes by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Soak pitted prunes in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes until plump and soft, then blend them into a smooth puree with a little of the soaking water. Stir a spoonful into oatmeal, yogurt or mashed pear and offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Mash soaked prunes with a fork or chop them very finely and stir them into thicker oatmeal or yogurt for more texture. You can also spread a thin layer of prune puree on a soft toast strip for your baby to hold.
9–12 months
Finely chop soaked prunes and mix them into porridge, yogurt or soft muffins. You can also keep using prune puree as a spread.
12 months +
Toddlers can have soaked, chopped prunes or prunes baked into muffins and bars. Dry whole prunes are still sticky, so cut them into small pieces until your child chews well.
Why it’s good
Prunes give babies fiber, sorbitol, potassium, vitamin K and some iron and antioxidants. Their fiber and sorbitol draw water into the gut, which softens stools. Prunes are naturally sweet, so they can sweeten foods without added sugar.
Safety notes
- Never serve whole dried prunes to babies. They are sticky and chewy and can block the airway. Soak them and then blend, mash or chop finely.
- Always buy pitted prunes or check carefully for pits before serving.
- Start with a small amount, about 1 to 2 teaspoons of puree, as too many prunes can cause gas, cramps or diarrhea.
- Skip prune juice before 12 months unless your pediatrician recommends a small amount for constipation.
- Prunes are concentrated in natural sugar and can stick to teeth. Brush or wipe your baby's teeth and gums after eating.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Prunes are not a common allergen, though people allergic to birch pollen or stone fruits like plums and peaches may rarely react. Watch for itching around the mouth, hives, swelling or vomiting.
Prunes for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about prunes for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have prunes?
Babies can have prunes from 6 months, when they start solid food. Soak prunes until soft and blend them into a puree or mash them into other foods.
Can babies have prunes?
Yes, babies can eat prunes when they are softened and pureed or finely chopped. Prunes are a nutritious, naturally sweet fruit that can help with constipation.
Are prunes a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, whole dried prunes are a choking hazard for babies because they are sticky and chewy. Soak prunes and puree or finely chop them, and always stay close while your baby eats.
Are prunes a common allergen?
No, prunes are not a common allergen and are not one of the Top 9 food allergens. People with birch pollen or stone fruit allergies may rarely react to prunes.
How do I serve prunes to a 6 month old?
To serve prunes to a 6 month old, soak pitted prunes in hot water until soft, blend them smooth and stir a spoonful into oatmeal or yogurt. Offer it on a spoon. A thin spread of prune puree on a soft toast strip can follow at 7–8 months.
Can prunes help babies poop?
Yes, prunes can help babies poop because they contain fiber and sorbitol, which soften stools. Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of prune puree a day and talk to your pediatrician if constipation lasts.
How many prunes can a baby have for constipation?
For constipation, start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of prune puree, roughly one prune, once a day. Increase slowly if needed, as too many prunes can cause diarrhea or tummy cramps.
Can babies drink prune juice?
Babies under 12 months should not drink juice, but some pediatricians suggest a small amount of prune juice for constipation. Ask your pediatrician first, and after 12 months offer small amounts diluted with water.
Are store-bought prune purees okay for babies?
Store-bought prune purees are fine for babies if they contain only prunes and water with no added sugar. Homemade prune puree is easy to make and freezes well in ice cube trays.
The takeaway
- Babies can have prunes from 6 months, soaked until soft and pureed, mashed or finely chopped.
- Soak pitted prunes in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes until plump and soft, then blend them into a smooth puree with a little of the soaking water.
- 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.