When can babies eat Papaya?
From 6 months
Start with: Silky puree or large, soft spears.
Papaya is a nutrient-dense tropical fruit famous for the digestive enzyme 'papain.' It is exceptionally high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, supporting both the immune system and eye development. Its soft, buttery texture when ripe makes it an ideal first fruit for babies.
How to serve Papaya, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Silky puree or large, soft spears.
Serve as a smooth puree or a large, long wedge (rind-free). Ensure the papaya is very ripe (skin should be mostly yellow/orange and yield to pressure). For BLW, a large spear is great, but because it is slippery, you can coat it in almond flour or ground oats to help your baby grip it.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Small, soft, seedless cubes.
Offer small, bite-sized cubes. Ensure all the black seeds are removed as they are a choking hazard and have a strong, bitter taste. Papaya cubes are a wonderful way for babies to practice their pincer grasp.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Bite-sized chunks or thick slices.
Serve as chunks or slices. Papaya pairs perfectly with a squeeze of lime or mixed into yogurt. It can also be mashed and spread on toast as a nutritious alternative to jam.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Moderate choking risk
Unripe papaya is firm and dangerous. Only serve if the flesh is buttery-soft. The small black seeds must be completely removed for babies and toddlers. The fruit is very slippery, which can lead to it sliding into the throat unexpectedly.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
Rich in papain, an enzyme that aids protein digestion, and packed with more Vitamin C than most citrus fruits.
- Vitamin C Rich
- Digestion-friendly
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 43kcal
- Protein
- 0.5g
- Fat
- 0.3g
- Fiber
- 1.7g
- Iron
- 0.3mg
- Vitamin C
- 60.9mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 43 kcal
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10.8 g
- Fat
- 0.3 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.3 mg
- Calcium
- 20 mg
- Zinc
- < 0.1 mg
- Sodium
- 8 mg
- Potassium
- 182 mg
- Magnesium
- 21 mg
- Phosphorus
- 10 mg
- Selenium
- 0.6 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- < 0.1 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 47 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 60.9 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- < 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.3 mg
- Vitamin K
- 2.6 mcg
- Folate
- 37 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 6.1 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 1.7 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Frequently asked
Can my baby eat the black seeds?
No. The seeds are a choking hazard for babies and have a very spicy, bitter flavor that is unsuitable for infants. Always scoop them out completely.
How can I tell if a papaya is ripe?
A ripe papaya will have skin that is turning from green to yellow/orange and will feel soft when you press it gently with your thumb, similar to a ripe avocado.
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