How to Serve Raspberries for Baby-Led Weaning

Raspberries are a great, ready-to-eat food for babies and can be served to babies in so many ways. I love flattening them and serving them alone or mixing them into yogurt or hot cereal for my baby. Read on to learn how to serve raspberries to your baby!

How to serve raspberries for baby led weaning (blw)

Can I give my 6 month old raspberries?

Yes, raspberries can be given to your baby when they start solid foods and are a great first food. This will be at 6 months of age and when all signs of readiness for solids are shown.

Since raspberries are acidic, be aware they can cause a harmless rash where the juices touch the skin on the face or may cause a diaper rash. To avoid this you can put a thin layer of diaper cream on your baby’s cheeks and on their underside before serving raspberries.

Some of my favorite ways to serve raspberries to my baby is to flatten a whole raspberry with my finger or the back of a fork and serve them plain. There are so many easy ways to serve raspberries including mixing raspberries into waffle or pancake batter, making a raspberry puree and spreading it on toast, or mixing raspberries into hot cereal.

Raspberries are sweet and tart and go well with creamy foods like ricotta cheese or whole milk plain yogurt that you can either serve on a pre loaded spoon or allow your baby to scoop up with their hands.

How do you cut raspberries for a 6 month old?

If you’re doing baby-led weaning, it is very easy to serve raspberries to your baby. For younger babies (6- 9 months) who likely have the palmar grasp, scoopable foods and foods about the length of an adult pinky will be easier.

It may be easiest to serve raspberries to babies mashed into a puree like warm cereals or yogurt or mashed and spread onto toast strips. You can also make a smooth puree of raspberries in a food processor or blender and pre-load the raspberry puree onto a spoon for your baby.

If your baby has the pincer grasp (usually develops around 9-10 months of age) fresh raspberries are already in perfect, bite-sized pieces for your baby. It’s a good idea to flatten whole raspberries with your thumb and forefinger or the back of a fork before serving to your baby like shown in the video.

Are raspberries healthy for babies?

Yes! Raspberries are awesome sources of vitamin C, zinc, folate, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, and vitamins B6 and E. The vitamin C in raspberries make them the perfect pairing for increasing iron absorption from plant-based foods like legumes and ground nuts and nut butters (ie. peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter). These nutrients play a role in baby’s growth, sense of taste, brain development, metabolism, and immunity.

Not only do raspberries have important nutrients for your baby, but also the whole family! You can use raspberries and other fruit as a natural sweetener in hot cereal, smoothies, and baked goods without needing any added sugar.

Defrosted frozen raspberries work well a way to incorporate raspberries into your baby’s diet. Most frozen and canned fruit and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and are similar in nutritional value to fresh, ripe raspberries.

When can my baby eat raspberries?

Your baby can eat raspberries when they are 6 months of age and when they are ready to begin solid foods. With baby-led weaning, raspberries are the perfect finger food to serve alone or with other new foods.

Are raspberries safe for babies?

Yes, raspberries are safe for babies to eat and are packed with vitamins and minerals and healthy fats. Just be sure to flatten whole raspberries or mix them into other foods to make them the appropriate shape to serve to babies.

Can babies have an allergic reaction to raspberries?

Raspberries are not one of the top 9 common allergens but raspberry allergies have been reported. However, it is common for acidic foods, like raspberries to cause a harmless contact rash where raspberry juice came in contact with skin. A rash can appear around the mouth or the diaper area. Applying a thin layer of diaper cream, like Aquaphor, before meals containing acidic food can help.

If your baby has Oral Allergy Syndrome (or pollen food allergy syndrome) and especially if your baby is sensitive to tree pollens, then they may be sensitive to raspberries. People who are sensitive to other berries and foods of the Rosaceae family (blackberries, strawberries, apricots, almonds, and plums) may also be sensitive to raspberries.

Oral Allergy Syndrome is often manifested as momentary itching, tingling, and burning in the mouth and usually doesn’t result in a dangerous reaction. Often heating raspberries helps minimize any reaction.

When introducing the top 9 allergens, start by offering a small amount, wait about 10 minutes and offer more if your baby is not showing in signs of an allergy. Read about how to reduce food allergy risks in babies when starting solids for more guidance on introducing allergens.

Can babies choke on raspberry seeds?

Raspberries and raspberry seeds are not a common choking hazard. However, firm, unripe, and small raspberries can be dangerous and increase the risk of choking. Choose large, ripe, and soft raspberries to reduce the choking risk. Flattening whole berries with your fingers or with the back of a fork reduces choking risk further.

Can raspberries help babies poop?

Yes, raspberries are a great source of fiber and water. Both fiber and water help support healthy gut bacteria and help contribute bulk to poop to form healthy bowel movements.

How do I store raspberries?

Do not store raspberries in an airtight container. Store them in the original container with holes to allow air flow. Air flow helps keep the berries fresher longer. I like to examine my berries when I bring them home to make sure there aren’t any moist or moldy berries. It can help to put a paper towel on top of the berries and tip the container upside down to allow any moisture to drain.

Looking for more recommended baby-led weaning supplies? I have it all laid out for you in this baby-led weaning supply guide. Follow our baby-led weaning journey on instagram @mydietitian.friend!