what age to stop seeding fruits?

[{{{Angela}}}]

I wasn't sure if this fit the toddler board, b/c it's probably for older kids, but what age do you think is appropriate to stop pitting/seeding fruits for a little one?  We were eating cherries today and I wouldn't let DS have one without me removing the pits, he is almost 3 and not ready I don't think.  But he saw me spitting out the pits and to him it looked like great fun and he wanted to try.    Also things like apricots I remove the pits too, and grapes, if they are seeded, and watermelon.

[Ryan&HollysMom]

i would leave grapes and watermelons alone, i think you're just adding work there.
as for the cherries, i would sit him down, explain the pit situation to him and then have him eat a few in front of me, sitting down, one at a time. if he happens to swallow one, i'm sure he'd be fine, i've swallowed lots in my day. but i think if he's into spitting them out, i'd give it a try.
i'd be curious to see what other parents (ones that actually have 3 year olds) recommend though. maybe i'm wrong?

[zed]

My Ds is 3 and I had the same thoughts about the cherries the other day.  I think as long as I am right there to make sure he doesn't start to stuff his mouth like boys love to do it should be ok.  But, only if the child understands why we spit the pits out and that they could choke.

I encourage proper chewing.  Making sure that my child is sitting is very important in the prevention of choking.  I personally have a great deal of experience with first aid and am very comfortable administrating it if necessary.  If you aren't as confident then maybe I'd wait with the cherries pits. 

You know your child and I say go with your instincts.  Better to be safe than sorry.

As for larger pits and stones in fruits like plumbs and apricots, I just eat one first to show my toddler that it is there and explain that isn't something we can eat and we must spit it out.  Sometimes I'll hold the fruit so my child can't take to big if a bite and flick the pit out before it every goes into his mouth.  That way I can relax a bit more and not pay as much attention.