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Prunes are a great food for babies, especially for relieving constipation. Here is what you need to know about safely serving prunes to babies, including whether babies can eat whole prunes and how to serve prunes for baby led weaning.
Babies starting solids tend to get constipated easily. My secret weapon with my little ones? Prunes! They are naturally wonderful for relieving (and preventing!) constipation in babies. You don't have to be stuck with only prune juice either. Reap the full benefits of prunes with these methods of safely serving prunes to babies using a baby led weaning approach.
Jump to:
- When Can Babies Have Prunes?
- Baby Health Benefits
- How To Serve Prunes with Baby Led Weaning
- FAQ
When Can Babies Have Prunes?
As soon as babies are developmentally ready for solids, usually around 6 months, they can have prunes. Because dried fruit, including prunes, is a choking hazard, you'll need to make sure to offer them to baby in a safe way that eliminated the risk. Keep reading for ways to do so.
Baby Health Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of prunes for babies is their ability to relieve constipation naturally and gently. This is because of the unique combination of fiber, sorbitol, and polyphenols found in prunes.1 Prune puree and prune juice are often recommended by pediatricians to help babies (and toddlers!) go when they are constipated. This is especially helpful when babies are starting solids and tend to get stopped up a little more frequently than older kiddos. Over time, prunes are also beneficial to gut health by increasing good bacteria.
Beyond the digestive benefits, prunes are also high in iron, an essential nutrient for baby's growth and development. Making your own prune puree at home can ensure that you aren't adding too much water, so baby gets the most nutrient dense puree versus store bought versions.
Prunes are also great for building strong bones. While research in this area focuses mostly on middle aged to older women, prunes are full of vital nutrients for healthy bones, including boron, potassium, vitamin K and polyphenols.2
Prunes are great because they are shelf stable. That means you can keep them on hand in your pantry and make prune puree any time the need strikes. Because dried fruit, like prunes, are high in natural sugars, they are very sweet and therefore should be given in moderation. But that also means they are a great way to naturally sweeten foods like oatmeal, yogurt, and baked goods for babies and toddlers with a little more nutrition!
How To Serve Prunes with Baby Led Weaning
For baby led weaning or babies in the finger foods stage, you have a few options for serving prunes. Since dried fruit like prunes can be a choking hazard, you'll need to soak them and cut them into a safe shape, or offer a puree. Here are a few ways of serving prunes if you're using a baby led weaning approach:
1. Pureed (6+ months)
You can offer pureed prunes on a pre-loaded soft spoon that you set on baby's tray or hand to him. You can also offer a prune pouch. If you're going the pouch route, I would limit it to half of a pouch at one time to prevent a messy blowout.
Try my recipe for homemade prune puree!
2. Spread on toast fingers (6+ months)
Offer prune puree spread onto toast fingers (or pancake or waffle strips) that babies as young as 6 months can grasp in a fist and nibble on. Bonus for baby - prunes offer a nice, natural sweet flavor for bland finger foods!
3. Soaked and cut into tiny pieces (9+ months)
Once your baby has developed a pincer grasp, you can offer very small pieces of prunes for baby to pick up with index finger and thumb. First, soak the prunes in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them up. Then, cut into very small pieces, smaller than your fingernail, and offer to baby.
4. Stirred into other foods (6+ months)
You can stir prune puree or soaked and finely chopped prunes into other foods, such as oatmeal, yogurt, or cooked grains. Offer these foods on a preloaded spoon, or just let baby scoop them up with hands and get messy!
Try this recipe for "Move It Along" Prune Yogurt!
Ready to get started with baby led weaning? Get my 100 First Foods Checklist and Allergen Checklist Bundle today!
FAQ
Are prunes a choking hazard?
Yes, dried fruit that is hard and sticky, including prunes, are a choking hazard. Follow the guidelines above for safely serving prunes to baby. As with any food, always supervise closely when baby is eating.
Are prunes a common allergen?
No, prunes are not a common allergen.
Can babies have prune juice?
Prune juice is the only fruit juice that I recommend for babies under two years of age because it can help relieve constipation. I wouldn't offer it all the time though, only when your baby is 'stopped up'. Try diluting it in a 50:50 ration with water first, and assist baby in drinking it out of an open cup. If that doesn't work after a day, you can go full strength with just 2 ounces.
What is the dosing of prunes for constipation in babies?
For a puree, start with about 2 tablespoons per day to relieve and/or prevent constipation. If your baby still doesn't go, increase to 3-4 tablespoons on day 2. For prunes in whole form, start with 1 prune per day, and increase to 1.5 to 2 on day 2.
Try not to exceed 4 tablespoons or 2 whole prunes in a single day to avoid a messy blowout! If 4 tablespoons a day doesn't help, consult your child's doctor.
How quickly will prunes work for a constipated baby?
It will depend on the severity of your baby's constipation and how much you give. It could work as quickly as a few hours, or it make take a few doses given over a few days. If you are not seeing results after 3 days, it may be time to consult your child's doctor.
When can baby eat whole prunes?
Your baby needs to show mature eating skills before offering whole prunes, such as taking small bites with the front teeth, moving food around the mouth easily, chewing well before swallowing, and not over-stuffing the mouth. Once you feel comfortable, you may offer whole prunes, but not before 24 months.
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