When to Introduce Watermelon to Your Baby

You know nothing beats cool, sweet watermelon on a hot day. And once your baby has a taste of this juicy fruit, chances are she’ll love it too. So, when can she try that first refreshing bite? Here’s what to know about offering watermelon to your baby.

When Can Babies Have Watermelon?

You can offer watermelon at any point after your baby starts solids, usually around 6 months of age. If you’re introducing solids with a baby-led weaning approach (which involves offering soft, gummable finger foods instead of spoon-feeding purées), you’ll want to wait until at least the 6-month mark, when your baby is more capable of self-feeding.

How to Prepare Watermelon for Your Baby

Watermelon has a soft texture that’s easy for new eaters to gum, and eventually, chew, making it a great first fruit for your baby. So, there isn’t much preparation required to make it baby-friendly. Simply slice it into an appropriate size for your baby, and for babies under 1, make sure to remove the rind. Watermelon also purées well, either on its own or combined with other fruits.

However, watermelon can be a choking hazard if your child bites off a large piece or does not chew it well enough. Check the fruit first to ensure it is ripe and mushes easily. Some watermelons might be too firm for young eaters.

Watermelon seeds can also pose a choking hazard, so it’s a good idea to choose seedless watermelon when possible. If seedless isn’t available, make sure to thoroughly remove all the seeds before serving.

The following tips will help you serve watermelon at different stages of your baby’s development. However, keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace. Speak with your pediatrician before starting baby-led weaning and consult them if you have concerns about your child’s oral-motor, chewing, or swallowing skills, or if you’re unsure about the preparation of certain foods.

Como preparar melancia para uma criança de 6 meses

Slice watermelon into wide, thin rectangular pieces and remove the rind. Your baby can palm and gum the pieces, but if they’re slippery, roll them in baby cereal to make them easier to grip.

How to Prepare Watermelon for a 9-Month-Old

Stick with the same prep methods you used at 6 months for your older baby. At this stage, your baby is becoming more skilled at chewing, but you still want to ensure the pieces are manageable and safe.

How to Prepare Watermelon for a 12-Month-Old and Older

After your baby’s first birthday, you can begin offering traditional triangle-shaped wedges. No need to remove the rind now, but make sure to keep an eye on your little one while she eats, and take the rind away once she’s finished the fruit.

Watermelon Recipes for Babies and Toddlers

Watermelon is a tasty treat all on its own, but there are plenty of other ways your little one can enjoy this seasonal fruit too. Just remember to always introduce one food at a time, especially top allergens like eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, dairy, and seafood.

• Watermelon Popsicles: Purée watermelon flesh in a blender until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, freeze, and serve.
• Red, White, and Blue Parfait: Layer ripe diced watermelon with blueberries and plain Greek yogurt to create a patriotic parfait.
• Pink Oatmeal: Purée watermelon and strawberries or raspberries until smooth, then swirl into oatmeal (baby oatmeal or regular). Encourage your baby to rake the oatmeal with her palms or serve it on a preloaded spoon.
• Watermelon Smoothie: Purée fresh or frozen watermelon with fresh or frozen banana chunks and plain regular yogurt or milk until smooth.
• Watermelon “Pizza”: Spread plain Greek yogurt on a wedge of ripe watermelon and top with finely chopped soft fruits like strawberries or kiwi.
• Watermelon Dippers: Make a dip with plain regular yogurt, peanut or almond butter, and ground cinnamon. Serve with ripe watermelon matchsticks for your toddler to dunk.

What Are the Benefits of Watermelon for Babies and Toddlers?

Given the name, it probably comes as no surprise that watermelon has a high water content. Snacking on the fruit can help keep your little one hydrated, especially on hot days.

But that’s not the only benefit! Watermelon is also a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for your baby’s developing eyes and immune system. Additionally, it’s rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and plays a role in iron absorption.

Can Babies Be Allergic to Watermelon?

While watermelon allergies in babies and toddlers are possible, they are quite rare. Raw melons, including watermelon, have the potential to trigger oral allergy syndrome — a condition that occurs due to cross-reaction with allergens found in both pollen and raw fruits and vegetables. However, children under 3 are typically not affected.

That said, it’s always important to know the signs of a potential allergic reaction, especially when introducing a new food. Symptoms of a food allergy may include:

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the skin, lips, or tongue
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Throat tightness or trouble swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea
• Trouble breathing

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. In the rare case that your child shows signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911 right away.

Is Watermelon a Choking Hazard for Babies?

Watermelon that is firm and underripe can indeed be a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Be sure to choose very ripe watermelon that has a soft, juicy texture, and prepare it safely by serving it in an appropriate size. Opt for seedless varieties when possible, and remove the rind for babies under 1.

Always supervise your young child when eating, and ensure they are sitting upright during mealtimes. Never serve food while your baby is reclining, walking, sitting in a car seat, or playing.

Watermelon is a wonderful, refreshing snack to share with your little one during the warmer months. When prepared correctly and with safety in mind, it’s an easy and healthy choice for your baby’s developing taste buds.