First foods database
🫐 Prunes for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat prunes? Yes, from about 6 months. Prunes are dried plums that are naturally sweet and famously helpful for constipation thanks to their fibre and natural sorbitol. They are also a handy, naturally sweet addition to baking.
Good source of: Fibre, Potassium, Vitamin K, Iron
How to serve prunes by age
6 to 9 months
Choose stoned prunes, soak or simmer in water until soft, then purée and stir a teaspoon or two into porridge or yoghurt. Thin the purée with water or milk if it is thick.
9 to 12 months
Offer prune purée with breakfast, or finely chopped soaked prunes in baking and porridge.
12 months and up
Serve chopped prunes with meals. Keep portions modest, as large amounts can loosen nappies.
Choking safety
Whole dried prunes are sticky and chewy and can lodge in the throat. Soak and purée or chop finely for babies and young toddlers. Check for stones even in packs labelled stoned.
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
- Always check for stones.
- Prune juice is not needed; purée is gentler and keeps the fibre.
Easy ideas
- Prune purée stirred into porridge
- Prune and apple purée
- Chopped prunes in oat bars
Goes well with
Recipes with prunes
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat prunes?
Can babies eat prunes? Yes, from about 6 months. Prunes are dried plums that are naturally sweet and famously helpful for constipation thanks to their fibre and natural sorbitol. They are also a handy, naturally sweet addition to baking.
Do prunes help baby constipation?
Many parents find a small amount of prune purée helps. If constipation continues, speak to your health visitor or GP. Plenty of water and fibre from fruit and vegetables also helps.
How much prune can a baby have?
Start with a teaspoon or two of purée and see how your baby's tummy responds.
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).