When can babies eat Watermelon?
From 6 months
Start with: Thin liquid-puree or large, firm-but-juicy wedges.
Watermelon is an incredibly hydrating fruit, perfect for warm weather. It is a good source of Lycopene (an antioxidant for heart health) and Vitamin A. While soft, its high water content and slippery texture mean it should be served with care to ensure the baby can manage the pieces.
How to serve Watermelon, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Thin liquid-puree or large, firm-but-juicy wedges.
Serve as a very thin puree or a large, rectangular rind-free wedge (the size of two adult fingers) for the baby to suck on. Ensure all seeds (black and white) are removed. The large wedge allows the baby to explore the flavor without a small piece breaking off in the back of the throat.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Small, seedless cubes.
Offer small, bite-sized cubes with all seeds removed. At this stage, babies are practicing their pincer grasp, but because watermelon is slippery, they may still find it easier to use their whole hand. You can also mix small pieces into plain yogurt.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Chunks or wedges with optional rind handle.
Serve as larger chunks or wedges. You can leave a small piece of the rind on to act as a 'handle,' but supervise closely to ensure the baby doesn't bite off the tough green part. Watermelon stars (cut with a cookie cutter) are a fun way to encourage eating.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Moderate choking risk
The main risks are the seeds and the slippery texture. Always remove all seeds. For beginners, large wedges are safer than small cubes because the baby can't accidentally swallow the whole piece. Avoid firm, underripe watermelon.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
High water content for hydration and rich in Lycopene for heart health and sun protection for the skin.
- Vitamin C Rich
- Digestion-friendly
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 30kcal
- Protein
- 0.6g
- Fat
- 0.1g
- Fiber
- 0.4g
- Iron
- 0.2mg
- Vitamin C
- 8.1mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 30 kcal
- Protein
- 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 7.5 g
- Fat
- 0.1 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 0.2 mg
- Calcium
- 7 mg
- Zinc
- 0.1 mg
- Sodium
- 1 mg
- Potassium
- 112 mg
- Magnesium
- 10 mg
- Phosphorus
- 11 mg
- Selenium
- 0.4 mcg
- Copper
- < 0.1 mg
- Manganese
- < 0.1 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 28 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 8.1 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- < 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- < 0.1 mg
- Vitamin K
- 0.1 mcg
- Folate
- 3 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
- Choline
- 4.1 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 0.4 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Watermelon
Frequently asked
Are the white seeds in watermelon safe?
While the soft white seeds are less dangerous than the hard black ones, it is best to remove ALL seeds for babies under 12 months to eliminate any choking or irritation risk.
Can my baby drink watermelon juice?
Small amounts of fresh, strained watermelon juice can be offered after 6 months for hydration, but the whole fruit (mashed) is better as it contains more nutrients.
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