Can I Give My Baby Figs? A Parent’s Guide to Serving Figs Safely

Figs are loaded with essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber. These help support healthy growth, bone development, and digestion. And if your baby is dealing with constipation, figs’ natural fiber content can act as a gentle, natural laxative.

In general, yes! Ripe figs are soft and easy to eat, making them safe for babies around 6 months and older. Just be mindful of a few small details:

• Start Slow: Introduce figs in small quantities and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, although this is quite rare with figs.

• Avoid Dried Figs for Young Babies: Dried figs may be too chewy and sticky for babies under a year old, as they can pose a choking hazard and are harder to digest.

• Watch for Digestive Sensitivity: The high fiber content in figs can sometimes cause mild digestive issues, so go slowly at first if your baby isn’t used to fiber-rich foods.

Since ripe figs are naturally soft, they’re an ideal fruit for babies to handle. Here are some simple, safe ways to introduce figs to your baby at different stages:

For Babies 6 Months+

• Serve as Finger Food: You can serve peeled fig quarters as a finger food for your baby to practice their grasp.

• Taste on a Spoon: If you’re introducing figs for the first time, you might just scoop a small amount onto a spoon and offer it to your baby. This helps them get a taste of the fruit without overwhelming them.

For Babies 9 Months+

• Little Cubes for Pincer Grasp Practice: Once your baby is working on their pincer grasp, you can cut the peeled fig into small cubes. This is a great way to let them practice picking up smaller pieces and feeding themselves.

For Toddlers

• Whole Peeled Figs: For older toddlers with a more developed pincer grasp and better chewing skills, you can serve a whole, peeled fig for them to bite into themselves. Toddlers will love the squishy texture and sweet taste, and it’s a great way for them to explore new textures.

Now, let’s get into the great fig skin debate. Some sources say you can keep the skin on, while others recommend peeling it for younger babies. Our take? We lean toward peeling for the littlest eaters.

The skin on a ripe fig is fairly soft, but it can have a slightly tougher texture that may be challenging for young babies to chew. Peeling also makes it easier for them to handle and digest, especially when they’re just getting used to solid foods. While leaving the skin on is probably fine for older toddlers, we prefer the smoother, easier-to-chew option for little ones.

Dried figs are nutrient-dense and delicious, but they can be a bit tricky for babies, especially younger ones. Here’s what to consider:

• Texture: Dried figs are much tougher and chewier than fresh figs, which can be challenging for little mouths and could pose a choking hazard.

• Sticky Factor: The stickiness of dried figs can make them harder to chew and swallow, and they may stick to the roof of your baby’s mouth.

• Best for Toddlers: Dried figs are generally better suited for toddlers who are accustomed to more textures. If you do choose to offer dried figs, chop them into very small pieces and consider soaking them in warm water to soften them up a bit.

Figs are packed with benefits that make them a great addition to your baby’s diet:

• Digestive Health: The natural fiber in figs can help prevent constipation and promote healthy digestion.

• Rich in Calcium: Figs contain calcium, which supports healthy bone development.

• Small Iron Boost: Figs contain a small amount of iron, which is beneficial for your baby's development. While not a primary source, every little bit helps, especially if your baby is exploring a variety of foods.

• Antioxidants for Immunity: The antioxidants in figs help protect cells and support a healthy immune system.

• Natural Sweetness: Figs have a naturally sweet flavor, which makes them an appealing, healthy choice for babies and toddlers, helping to reduce the need for added sugars.

If your baby is now a toddler, figs can still be a delicious and nutritious snack. Serve them in a variety of ways to keep things interesting:

• As-is or with a light peel: Toddlers can handle the slightly tougher texture of fig skin, so you may not need to peel it every time.

• Paired with Other Foods: Try serving fig pieces with yogurt, oatmeal, or as part of a fruit platter to add variety to their diet.

• Mixed in Smoothies: Blend fresh figs into a smoothie for a naturally sweet, fiber-rich boost.

• Are figs safe for babies? Yes, especially ripe figs. Just peel them and offer them in age-appropriate sizes.

• Are dried figs good for babies? No. Dried figs are best saved for toddlers due to their chewy texture and stickiness.

• Benefits of figs for babies: They’re packed with fiber, calcium, a small boost of iron, and antioxidants to support digestion, immunity, and bone health.

• Fun serving ideas: For 6-month-olds, serve peeled fig quarters. For 9-month-olds, try small cubes. For toddlers, offer whole peeled figs or mix them into meals.

Serving figs to babies and toddlers can be an easy, healthy way to introduce them to new textures and flavors, while also providing important nutrients. Whether you’re offering them as finger food, cutting them into little cubes, or blending them into a smoothie, figs can be a nutritious addition to your child’s diet. Enjoy this sweet and natural treat together, and watch as your little one explores all the tasty fun that figs have to offer!