Watermelon For Baby And Toddlers

Watermelon for Baby

All year round, but especially in the warmer months, watermelon is a favorite food because it’s so refreshing and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare for little kids, too, and it’s a great side or snack to share. This post will take you through some common questions that come up when serving watermelon for baby and toddlers—and I will also share an easy watermelon puree and how to cut the melon as a baby-led weaning food. (We also love Cantaloupe for Baby, Watermelon Sorbet, fruit Ice Pops recipe, and Watermelon Popsicles.)

Nutrition in Watermelon

Watermelon is a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6, and it’s a great hydrating food. In fact, it’s over 90% water, which means that it’s a great way to help the kids stay hydrated in warmer weather. Due to the vitamin C content in the melon, you can serve it with iron-rich foods for kids to help increase the body’s ability to absorb the iron.

Watermelon for Baby-Led Weaning

It’s easy to prepare this fruit for baby-led weaning, where baby takes the lead on feeding themselves right from the start. Start by washing the melon. Then, cut it into a finger-size stick (or two fingers) or a wedge and offer it to baby to suck on. NOTE: Use very ripe watermelon so it is soft—not hard—and easy for baby to gnaw on.

Easy Watermelon Puree

You can also blend ripe watermelon into a baby food puree to offer on a spoon to baby. Use a seedless watermelon (if possible), then blend diced melon briefly to create a soft puree. (This is usually very juicy!)

Ingredients You Need

To serve watermelon to kids of any age, you simply need a fresh, ripe melon. Look for one that is heavy for its size (weight indicates juice) and that sounds hollow when you tap it with your fingers. The color should be deep green, and there may be a white-ish mark on the bottom where it laid against the ground in the field.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to prepare watermelon for babies and toddlers so you know what to expect.

Watermelon for 6-Month-Old Baby

For a baby starting solids around 6 months, you can incorporate watermelon in one of two ways: as a puree or baby-led weaning style as a stick (using very ripe melon that is soft) or a wedge that baby can feed themselves. Both methods are below. (Hard, unripe melon could be a choking hazard if baby bites off a large piece, so be sure yours is soft and easy to smush when you press it between your fingers.)

Watermelon for 9-Month-Old Baby

Once baby is about 9 months, you can dice up ripe, soft watermelon into very small pieces so they can pick them up as finger food. Remove all seeds and make sure the melon is soft to ensure that it’s easy to chew. TIP: It’s easiest to do both methods with seedless watermelons.

Watermelon for 16 Months and Up

Continue serving diced watermelon or sticks of watermelon to your baby and 1-year-old. Then transition into larger pieces or wedges so they can practice taking bites of food.

Can kids eat watermelon with seeds?

You can buy watermelon with seeds or choose seedless melon, according to what you have access to. Remove large seeds, if possible, or show older kids how to pick them out.

More Watermelon Recipes to Try

Below you’ll find some of our favorite watermelon recipes if you’re looking for options beyond just the fresh fruit.

How to Store Watermelon

Store whole watermelon at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Once cut, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Best Tips for Success

Look for a ripe melon that is heavy for its size (which indicates juice). Be sure to use very ripe melon that is soft when you squish it between your fingers, not rock hard. This will minimize the risk of choking. Wash the melon before you begin to prepare it for baby. Try it as a baby-led weaning food in sticks or wedges, or as a baby food puree.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this story, so please comment below to share.