First foods database
🐟 Fish fingers for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat fish fingers? Yes, from about 6 months, homemade most often and shop-bought occasionally. They are an easy, familiar way to offer fish, and soft strips are simple for small hands to hold.
Good source of: Protein, Omega-3, Vitamin D
How to serve fish fingers by age
6 to 9 months
Make your own by cutting cod, pollock or haddock into thick strips, dipping in beaten egg and fine breadcrumbs, then baking until the fish flakes. Offer whole finger-shaped strips to hold, or flake the fish into mashed potato and peas.
9 to 12 months
Cut fish fingers into smaller pieces, or let your baby bite from a whole one. Serve alongside soft vegetables such as peas, sweetcorn or carrot sticks cooked soft.
12 months and up
Offer homemade or shop-bought fish fingers in sandwiches, wraps or with oven chips and peas. Pick brands made from whole fillets with lower salt.
Choking safety
Homemade fish fingers can hide small bones, so feel the fish carefully before coating. Bake rather than fry, and avoid very crunchy, over-browned coatings for young babies.
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
- Shop-bought fish fingers contain salt, so keep them occasional for under 12 months.
- They contain fish and usually wheat and sometimes egg, which are allergens.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains fish, gluten, which are among the 14 major allergens. How to introduce fish · How to introduce gluten
Easy ideas
- Homemade cod fingers with mushy peas
- Fish finger and avocado wrap
- Fish fingers with sweet potato wedges
Goes well with
Weaning with OBubba
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat fish fingers?
Can babies eat fish fingers? Yes, from about 6 months, homemade most often and shop-bought occasionally. They are an easy, familiar way to offer fish, and soft strips are simple for small hands to hold.
Are fish fingers healthy for babies?
They can be. Homemade versions made from whole fillets are best, and they help towards the 2 portions of fish a week recommended for children.
Can I use shop-bought fish fingers for baby-led weaning?
Occasionally. Bake them well, cool them, and cut lengthways into strips. Choose ones made with whole fillet.
Do fish fingers count as oily fish?
No, they are usually white fish. Try to offer oily fish, such as salmon or sardines, in other meals.
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).