First foods database
🍑 Loquat for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat loquat? Yes, from about 6 months, as long as the large seeds are removed. Loquats are small, sweet and tangy fruits rich in vitamin A and fibre. Their slippery flesh and hard seeds make careful preparation important.
Good source of: Vitamin A, Fibre, Potassium, Manganese
How to serve loquat by age
6 to 9 months
Choose very ripe, soft loquats. Peel, cut in half and remove all the seeds and the thin inner membrane. Mash the flesh or stew it until soft. For finger food, offer peeled, seeded halves that are soft enough to squash, or stewed quarters.
9 to 12 months
Cut ripe, seeded loquats into small pieces for your baby to pick up. Stir chopped loquat into yoghurt or porridge, or stew it with apple for a simple compote.
12 months and up
Toddlers can eat sliced loquats as a snack, still peeled and seeded. Add them to fruit salad, overnight oats or a crumble.
Choking safety
Loquat seeds are large, hard and a choking hazard, and like many fruit seeds they should not be eaten. Always remove every seed and serve firm or slippery flesh mashed, stewed or cut small. Never offer whole loquats to young children.
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
- Remove all seeds; loquat seeds should never be eaten.
- Underripe loquats are sour and firm; wait until they are soft.
Easy ideas
- Stewed loquat and apple compote
- Loquat stirred through natural yoghurt
- Loquat and banana porridge
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat loquat?
Can babies eat loquat? Yes, from about 6 months, as long as the large seeds are removed. Loquats are small, sweet and tangy fruits rich in vitamin A and fibre. Their slippery flesh and hard seeds make careful preparation important.
Can babies eat loquat skin?
The skin is thin but can be tough for babies, so peel it until your child is older and chewing well.
Are loquat seeds poisonous?
The seeds contain compounds that should not be eaten, as well as being a choking hazard. Remove them all.
How do I know when loquats are ripe?
They turn deep yellow or orange, feel slightly soft and smell sweet.
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).