First foods database
🍊 Clementine for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat clementines? Yes, from about 6 months. Clementines are sweet, easy to peel and full of vitamin C, which boosts iron absorption when served alongside an iron-rich meal.
Good source of: Vitamin C, Folate, Fibre
How to serve clementine by age
6 to 9 months
Peel and remove pips. Offer segments with the membrane removed and flesh squashed, or cut into small pieces. You can also let your baby suck on a large membrane-free piece. Try one segment at a time to see how your baby manages.
9 to 12 months
Cut segments into small pieces with the membrane peeled off, or serve split segments flattened for pincer practice.
12 months and up
Offer whole segments once your child is chewing well, or cut in half. Fruit is better than juice.
Choking safety
Whole segments are a choking risk for young babies because of their size and membrane. Remove membranes and cut into small pieces until chewing is confident.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Acidic fruit can cause a mild mouth rash and nappy rash in some babies.
Easy ideas
- Clementine pieces with yoghurt
- Clementine with iron-rich porridge
- Segments in a fruit salad
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat clementine?
Can babies eat clementines? Yes, from about 6 months. Clementines are sweet, easy to peel and full of vitamin C, which boosts iron absorption when served alongside an iron-rich meal.
Can babies eat clementine membranes?
They can be tough to chew. Peel them off for young babies. As your child gets better at chewing, membranes can be left on.
Can babies have clementine juice?
Juice is not needed. Whole fruit is better, and juice after 12 months should be diluted and given with meals.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).