Bowl of fresh strawberries.

Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Strawberries For Baby

Their vibrant red color says it all. A strawberry’s bright red hue shows you just how nutrient-dense they are! Strawberries help to combat inflammation in the body and ward off pathogens that may make your baby sick. The high levels of Vitamin C found in strawberries will help your baby’s immune system, and the many minerals will help them grow healthy teeth and bones. Strawberries are fantastic in season, but they also freeze well for nutrient-dense snacks year-round. Baby will enjoy them raw as finger foods or as a sweet puree for yogurt or oatmeal!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are incredibly healthy and considered a superfood for a number of reasons:

  • They are high in vitamin C, in fact one cup has 108% of the daily value for vitamin C! This helps support the immune system and helps the body to absorb iron.
  • They are a good source of fiber, which help keep the digestive system regular and keeps constipation at bay.
  • They’re also a good source of folate, which is important for brain and neuro development.
  • Strawberries are high in antioxidants that are important for neutralizing free radicals in our body.

Highlighted Nutritional Importance of Strawberries

Vitamins

Vitamin C – helps to heal small cuts and wounds and helps keep your baby’s gums healthy while teething.
Thiamin –  this B vitamin, also known as B1, enables your baby to convert carbohydrates into energy.
Riboflavin – another B vitamin, known as B2, promotes growth and good vision and is essential for baby’s nerve development.                                                                                                                                     Folate– or vitamin B9, is essential for brain and neurodevelopment.

Minerals

Potassium – this is an electrolyte mineral that is crucial for muscle function and your baby’s heart rhythm.
Manganese  – a mineral that is essential for metabolism, calcium absorption, and brain function.
Magnesium – vital for immune support and helps to maintain muscle and nerve function.

Are Strawberries a High Allergen Food?

Some parents may have heard that strawberries are a potential allergenic food. Strawberries contain allergens that may be problematic for some people and if you or your family has a history of food allergies, you may want to consider waiting until baby is older to introduce them. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods just to be sure!

How to Select and Store Strawberries

Strawberries are on the Dirty Dozen list, which means you should consider buying them organic, if possible, to avoid synthetic pesticide exposure.

Strawberries are a delicate fruit. They perish easily and should be eaten within two days to preserve the most Vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants. The strawberries will still be delicious and safe to eat after this two-day window, but the longer they are stored, the more nutrients will be lost. Strawberries love humidity and will stay the freshest in the humid environment of your refrigerator’s cold storage bins. When picking strawberries at the grocery store or farmers market, look for those with a rich, vibrant pinkish-red hue without soft spots or cuts.

Preparing strawberries for baby is easy! If you decide to cook them, steaming or baking is a great, delicious option. You may also choose to serve them raw as a finger food or puree. The puree, either cooked or raw, can be a fun and nutritious addition to full-fat yogurt or oatmeal. Yum!

Strawberry Recipes

Graphic for post - strawberries for baby - purees or baby-led weaning. Images are in a grid with hands showing off the different foods.

Strawberries for Baby: Purees & BLW

5 stars (9 ratings)
Learn how to prepare and serve strawberries to your baby as a puree or for baby-led weaning! As yummy superfoods, strawberries are a great first food for babies 6 months and up.
Get the recipe
Stack of strawberry pancakes on a pink kids plate with a pink fork resting on a pink napkin.

Homemade Strawberry Pancakes (with flax seeds)

5 stars (1 rating)
Elevate your next breakfast with these homemade, healthy strawberry pancakes. Made in one bowl, they're easy, kid-friendly, and the perfect recipe for those sweet, summertime strawberries.
Get the recipe
A white bowl against a white background with chopped apples and strawberries scattered around it.

Homemade Strawberry Applesauce (Extra Easy!)

5 stars (6 ratings)
This Homemade Strawberry Applesauce is made with lots of strawberries (2 heaping cups), apples, a drizzle of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. No added sugar! It’s very easy to make stovetop, and is full of bold fruit flavor.
Get the recipe
A kids, pink plate full of healthy strawberry muffins, some with a strawberry cream cheese, drizzle, and a side of strawberries, with a pink napkin on a white countertop.

Healthy Moist Strawberry Muffins (made in 25 minutes)

5 stars (3 ratings)
Light and fluffy, naturally sweetened, and packed with juicy strawberries, these Healthy Strawberry Muffins take just a few minutes of prep to make. They're freezer friendly and perfect for busy mornings or school lunches.
Get the recipe
Clear glass filled with a pink strawberry milk with a strawberry on the lip and a striped straw.

The Best Strawberry Milk (3 minutes)

5 stars (2 ratings)
Want a healthy version of the classic Strawberry Milk? Then this homemade recipe is for you! Made with just 4 simple ingredients and in less than 5-minutes!
Get the recipe