Are Dried Apricots Safe for Toddlers?

Dried apricots are a nutritious source of key vitamins and minerals, but you should have all the facts before offering them to your toddler.

While most toddlers can safely eat dried apricots, there are certain dangers to address before giving them to your child. Always ask your toddler's pediatrician before offering him dried apricots, or any other type of dried fruit.

Nutrients

An appropriate serving of dried apricots for toddlers is around 1/4 cup. This amount of dried apricots supplies your toddler with many of the nutrients he needs for normal growth.

Dried apricots contain a generous dose of iron, which helps your toddler's body produce healthy red blood cells. He also gets a good amount of potassium, a mineral that supports proper muscle and heart function. Dried apricots are a nutritious source of vitamin A, which contributes to the health of your child's eyes. Your toddler also gets small doses of magnesium, zinc, calcium and niacin from a serving of dried apricots.

Sugar

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While dried apricots contain many of the nutrients your growing toddler needs, they can contain a large amount of added sugar. Too much sugar in your toddler's diet can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

A diet high in added sugar can also contribute to tooth decay. Look for unsweetened dried apricots, which contain healthy natural sugars, to make the fruit a more nutritious addition to your toddler's diet.

Dangers

Dried fruit can pose a choking hazard. Cut dried apricots into pieces about the size of a raisin to reduce your toddler's risk of choking, BabyCenter recommends. Many types of dried fruit contain sulphur dioxide, which is a preservative that helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold.

While most healthy toddlers aren't sensitive to the additive, it might cause a negative reaction for toddlers with asthma. A study published in the "British Journal of Diseases of the Chest" found that asthma symptoms might flare up when sulphur dioxide is consumed from foods and beverages.

If your toddler has asthma, ask his pediatrician if dried fruit is safe for him. You might also look for all-natural versions, which don't contain sulphur dioxide.

Tips

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If your toddler eats dried apricots, brush his teeth as soon as he is done. Because dried fruit is sticky, it can coat his teeth and increase his risk of plaque buildup and dental decay. Offer dried apricots with other foods, BabyCenter suggests.

The other foods help sweep dried apricot off your toddler's teeth, which can help keep his mouth healthier. Add chopped apricots to oatmeal, cold cereal or your toddler's favorite muffin recipe. Chopped apricots pair well with grilled chicken or pork chops and enhance the taste of plain yogurt. Substitute fresh apricots for a healthy alternative that is lower in calories.