Fruit

Plum for babies

Plums are the fresh version of prunes, with the same gentle effect on a constipated baby. Ripe, stoned and quartered.

Age suggestion 6 months+ Choking risk Moderate Iron-rich No Common allergen No

When can babies have plum?

From around 6 months, ripe and stoned. Plums are one of the standard answers to post-weaning constipation alongside pear and prune.

How do you serve plum to a baby?

The shape is what makes a food safe, and it changes as your baby’s grip and chewing change. Find your baby’s age band.

6–8 months

Peel a ripe plum, remove the stone, cut into quarters or wedges. Cook firm plums until soft.
9–11 months

Small pieces of ripe plum, skin off.
12–18 months

Quarters or chunks with skin on if soft. Stewed plum over yogurt.
18–24 months

Halved with the stone out. Whole plums are still too big and round.

Prep tip

Stewed plum keeps in the fridge for a few days and is the fastest thing to reach for if your baby is struggling to go.

Storage

Ripen at room temperature. Once ripe they go over quickly — refrigerate and use within three days.

Is plum a choking hazard for babies?

Choking risk Moderate

Ripe plum is soft; firm plum is not and should be cooked. The stone must be removed entirely — plum stones are smooth and exactly the wrong size. Plum skin is tougher than peach skin and worth removing under about 12 months.

Whatever you serve, stay within arm’s reach, keep your baby upright in a supportive seat, and never let them eat in a moving car, buggy or carrier. Gagging is loud and normal. Choking is silent.

Is plum a common allergen?

Common allergen No

Plum is not one of the nine most common food allergens. Any food can trigger a reaction, though, so offer it on its own the first time and watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or a change in breathing over the next two hours.

Is plum healthy for babies?

Plums carry sorbitol and fibre, which together soften stools — a real advantage in the weeks after solids start, when many babies firm up. They also bring vitamin C and vitamin K.

What plum brings
Vitamin C	Good source
Vitamin K	Good source
Sorbitol	Present — mildly laxative
Fibre	Good source
Iron per serving	~0.1 mg

Common questions about plum

How much plum will help with constipation?

A few tablespoons of stewed plum or plum purée once or twice a day, plus water with meals. If it lasts more than a few days or there is blood or real pain, see a doctor rather than adding more fruit.

Can babies eat plum skin?

From around 12 months. It is tougher and more bitter than peach skin and can come away in a strip.

Reference material

Guidance on this page follows the sources listed below.

Foods parents look at next

Fruit

Prune

The most reliable food answer to a constipated baby.

6 months+ Choking risk High

Fruit

Peach

Ripe peach is soft enough to serve raw — and the stone must always come out.

6 months+ Choking risk Moderate

Fruit

Pear

Soft when ripe, gentle on the stomach, and the go-to fruit when your baby is constipated.

6 months+ Choking risk Moderate

Fruit

Apricot

Fresh or dried — and dried apricot is one of the better iron-bearing fruits.

6 months+ Choking risk Moderate