First foods database
🥭 Dried mango for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat dried mango? Yes, from about 6 months, but only softened and finely chopped or blended. Dried mango is tough, sticky and high in natural sugars, so it works best as an occasional flavour in cooking rather than a snack.
Good source of: Vitamin A, Fibre, Vitamin C
How to serve dried mango by age
6 to 9 months
Soak unsweetened dried mango in just-boiled water for 15 to 20 minutes until soft, then blend it with the soaking water into a purée. Stir a teaspoon into porridge, yoghurt or plain overnight oats for sweetness. Do not offer dried strips to chew.
9 to 12 months
Keep soaking and chopping it very small, then stir into baking such as oat bars or muffins, or into curries for a hint of sweetness. Fresh or frozen mango makes a better finger food at this age.
12 months and up
Offer small, soft pieces mixed with other foods, and serve with meals rather than as a grazing snack to protect teeth.
Choking safety
Dried mango is very chewy and can stick together in the mouth. For babies, always soak it and blend or chop finely. For toddlers, cut it into small pieces and supervise.
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
- Choose unsweetened, unsulphured versions where possible; some dried mango has added sugar.
- Dried fruit is sticky and sugary, so offer it at mealtimes to help protect teeth.
Easy ideas
- Soaked dried mango purée stirred into porridge
- Dried mango and oat bars
- Chopped soaked mango in coconut yoghurt
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat dried mango?
Can babies eat dried mango? Yes, from about 6 months, but only softened and finely chopped or blended. Dried mango is tough, sticky and high in natural sugars, so it works best as an occasional flavour in cooking rather than a snack.
Is dried mango healthy for babies?
It contains vitamin A, fibre and some vitamin C, but the sugar is concentrated. Fresh or frozen mango is better day to day, with dried mango used now and then in cooking.
How do I soften dried mango?
Cover it in just-boiled water and leave for 15 to 20 minutes, or simmer for 5 minutes, then blend or chop finely.
Does dried mango contain sulphites?
Some brightly coloured dried mango is treated with sulphites. Check the label; unsulphured fruit is darker but just as tasty.
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).