How to Serve Grapes to Kids (to Reduce Choking Risks)

[ad_1]

Share it or save it for later

Learn how to serve grapes for babies and toddlers to avoid common choking risks—and offer up a delicious fruit with vitamins and hydration.

Grapes for Babies

Grapes are sweet, full of hydration, and are a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. They’re also a top choking hazard for kids under age 4, so taking some steps to serve them safely is important for babies and toddlers.

TIP: Find my full guide to cutting food for kids here.

Grapes and Choking Risks

Whole grapes are considered to be a choking risk for kids because they are round and a similar size to kid’s throats. Plus, they are slippery and can be hard to bite into for little mouths.

The best way to prevent any issues with grapes is to cut them—and also make sure the kids are sitting down when eating them.

How to Cut Grapes for Babies 9-12 months

Using a pair of kitchen scissors, which are much easier than a knife (less rolling around of the fruit to worry about!), cut the grapes in half, then in quarters. Then dice them into small pieces. These are easy for the baby to pick up with their fingers and also chew.

TIP: The size of these pieces is roughly the size of 1-2 peas. Find more of my favorite Finger Foods for Babies here and my top Stage 3 Baby Foods.

How to Cut Grapes for Toddlers 12-24 months

One year olds can continue having diced grapes, and you can start offering them in quarters. The key is to cut them in long slivers, so you’re cutting the grapes vertically into skinny pieces.

Cut each grape in half, then cut the halves in half.

How to Cut Grapes for Toddlers 24-36 months

Kids over 2 (or older if you are concerned about chewing ability) can have halved grapes. Note that you need to cut grapes vertically, not horizontally, to have thin halves. Horizontally halved grapes can pose some of the same choking risk as a whole grape.

If you have any doubts, quarter them.

TIP: Kids over age 4, generally speaking, should be able to chew whole grapes well. Do be sure that the kids are sitting down while eating them though since they are still a slippery food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are red or green grapes better?

Red and green grapes have similar nutrition, so one is not better or healthier than the other. There is a flavor difference though, so you may prefer one or the other.

What’s the easiest way to cut grapes?

The easiest way to cut grapes is to use a pair of kitchen scissors since holding the grape keeps it from rolling around. (You do not need a separate grape cutting device!)

When can babies have grapes.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, grapes can be introduced with other solids if served in an appropriate way after 6 months. There’s not really an easy way to serve grapes until kids can pick up small pieces with their fingers around 9 months, so that’s what I advise.

How long can I store cut grapes?

You can cut up grapes and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 24-48 hours. The edges may start to brown a little bit, but they are still safe to eat.

Best Tips for Grapes

Grapes are a choking hazard until age 4.
Dice grapes for kids starting at 9 months when they can pick up small pieces of food with their fingers.
Quarter grapes for kids starting at 12 months, or when you’re comfortable.
Halve grapes for kids starting at 24 months, or when you’re comfortable.
Be sure to cut grapes vertically into skinny halves and strips.
Always make sure the kids are sitting down when eating grapes.
You can also add fresh grapes to a blender and blend into delicious juice—or freeze the mixture into Grape Pops.
Find my full guide to Cutting Food for Kids here.
You may also like my tips on How to Cut Kiwi.
Find more of my favorite Finger Foods for Babies here and my top Stage 3 Baby Foods.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this information, so please comment below with any questions!