Allergen guide
🦑 Introducing Mussels and Squid to Your Baby
Molluscs such as mussels, clams, squid and scallops can be introduced from around 6 months, thoroughly cooked and finely chopped. Start with a small amount and never offer them raw.
When to introduce molluscs
Molluscs can be part of your baby's diet from around 6 months, once they are happily eating other foods. Always cook them thoroughly, as raw or lightly cooked shellfish is not suitable for babies and young children. Mussels and squid can be chewy, so chop them very finely or blend them into a dish. Only use mussels and clams whose shells were closed before cooking and opened during it. If your baby has severe eczema or already has a food allergy, speak to your GP or health visitor before you start.
How to start
- Choose fresh molluscs from a trusted source and cook them thoroughly
- Chop very finely or blend into a soft dish
- Offer a small amount earlier in the day while you are at home
- Keep it as the only new food that day
- If all is well, build up gradually over the next few days
First ways to offer it
- Finely chopped cooked mussels in a creamy pasta sauce
- Blended scallops mixed into mashed potato
- Very finely chopped squid in a tomato risotto
- Chopped cooked clams stirred through soft rice
Keep it going
If molluscs suit your baby, keep them in the mix now and then, ideally once or twice a week if they are a family favourite. Even a small amount in a shared family meal, such as a seafood pasta or risotto, helps keep them familiar and comfortable for your baby.
Signs of a mild reaction
- A red, blotchy or raised itchy rash, often around the mouth or on the face
- Mild swelling of the lips, face or around the eyes
- Itchy or red skin
- A runny or blocked nose, sneezing or watery eyes
- Being sick, tummy ache or diarrhoea
If you notice mild signs, stop offering the food and speak to your doctor or health visitor before trying again.
Signs of a severe reaction
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing, or noisy, fast or hard breathing
- Wheezing, or a cough that will not stop
- A hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
- Becoming pale and floppy, or suddenly very sleepy
- Collapse, or not responding to you
Call 999 straight away and say you think your baby is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If your baby has been given an adrenaline auto-injector, use it now. Do not wait to see if it settles. If you only see mild signs, stop offering the food and speak to your GP or health visitor before trying it again.
Where molluscs can hide
- Oyster sauce
- Paella and seafood mixes
- Fish soups and stews
- Some Asian sauces and stir fries
- Seafood flavoured snacks
Foods in our database that contain it
Allergens with OBubba
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Questions parents ask
Can babies have oysters?
Raw oysters are not suitable for babies. Fully cooked oyster in a dish is fine from around 6 months.
Is squid a choking risk?
Squid can be very chewy, so chop it finely or blend it. Avoid offering rings or large pieces to young babies.
If my baby is fine with prawns, are molluscs fine too?
Not always, as they are separate allergens. Introduce molluscs on their own the same calm way.
Other allergens
Sources
- NHS: Food allergies in babies and young children
- BSACI: Early feeding guidance
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).