Prune Juice for Babies
How to make a gentle homemade prune juice, how much to offer by age for hard stools, and when to call your pediatrician instead.
Method
- 1
Check the prunes for stones, then simmer them in the water for 15 minutes, until very soft.
- 2
Blend the prunes with the cooking water until completely smooth.
- 3
Pour through a fine sieve, pressing gently, to get a smooth juice. Keep the pulp: stir it into oatmeal as prune purée.
- 4
Cool completely. Offer a small amount in an open cup.
Serve it by age
6 months
For hard stools, ask your pediatrician first. A common starting point is 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) of prune juice a day, mixed with the same amount of water, in an open cup.
7–12 months
Up to 2–4 oz (60–120 ml) of prune juice a day, diluted with water, only while stools are hard, then stop. Check with your pediatrician if it's needed for more than a few days. Prune purée in food works too and adds fiber.
12 months+
Up to 4 oz (120 ml) a day of juice in total (including diluted juice), served with a meal. Plenty of water, fruit, vegetables and whole grains help most.
health_and_safetyAllergens
None of the top 9 allergens.
sync_altSwaps
- swap_horizStore-bought pasteurized 100% prune juice with no added sugar works the same way; dilute it half and half with water.
- swap_horizPasteurized 100% pear juice is a milder option for babies who dislike prune.
kitchenStorage
Fridge up to 2 days in a sealed jar. Freeze in ice cube trays up to 1 month.
Safety reminders
- No added salt, sugar or honey before 12 months.
- At 6 months, blend until completely smooth with no lumps or skins; move on to thicker, lumpier textures over the next few weeks.
- Stay with your baby and keep them seated upright while eating.
- Juice is only used short-term for constipation; the AAP advises no juice as a regular drink before 12 months. Never give it in a bottle or at bedtime.
- Call your pediatrician if your baby is under 6 months, has hard stools for more than a few days, seems to be in pain, has blood in the stool, a swollen tummy, vomiting, or is not feeding well.
- This recipe is general guidance for healthy, full-term babies and children. Ask your pediatrician first if your child was born early, has a medical condition, allergies or feeding difficulties (medical disclaimer).
