First foods database

🐟 Cod for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat cod? Yes, from about 6 months. Cod is a mild white fish with soft, chunky flakes, a good source of protein and iodine, and an easy first way to introduce fish, one of the common allergens.

From 6 monthsAllergen: FishLow choking risk when prepared well

Good source of: Protein, Iodine, Vitamin B12, Selenium

How to serve cod by age

6 to 9 months

Poach, steam or bake cod fillet until it flakes easily and is opaque all the way through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove any skin and bones, then mash with potato, peas or a little milk sauce. Offer large soft flakes for your baby to pick up.

9 to 12 months

Serve flaked cod with rice, pasta or vegetables, or make soft homemade fishcakes with mashed potato. Breadcrumb your own cod goujons and bake them for a finger food with a crunchy outside.

12 months and up

Offer cod from family meals such as fish pie, homemade fish fingers or baked cod with tomatoes.

Choking safety

Cod has some pin bones, especially near the middle of the fillet. Flake the fish and run your fingers through it carefully before serving, even if the label says boneless.

Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).

Good to know

Fish is a common allergen; offer a small amount first and then keep it in the diet regularly.
Avoid battered chip-shop fish and salted cod, which are high in salt.

Introducing it as an allergen

It contains fish, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce fish

Easy ideas

Cod and pea mash
Mini fish pie with cod and broccoli
Homemade baked cod goujons

Goes well with

🥔PotatoFrom 6 months 🫛PeaFrom 6 months 🥦BroccoliFrom 6 months 🌿ParsleyFrom 6 months

Recipes with cod

🍚Cod and pea baby risottoFrom 7 months · Lunch · 30 min 🥧Family fish pie with a baby portionFrom 7 months · Dinner · 55 min 🐠Flaky cod, pea and potato baby mashFrom 7 months · Dinner · 25 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat cod?

How much fish should my baby eat?

Aim for about 2 portions of fish a week, one of which is oily, such as salmon or sardines. White fish like cod has no set limit within a varied diet.

Can babies eat frozen cod?

Yes. Frozen cod is just as nutritious. Cook it from frozen or defrost in the fridge, and make sure it is piping hot and flakes all the way through.

Is cod an oily fish?

No, cod is a white fish. Cod liver oil is high in vitamin A, so it is not recommended for babies unless your health visitor suggests it.

Sources

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).