First foods database
🐟 Salmon for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat salmon? Yes, from about 6 months. Salmon is an oily fish rich in omega-3 fats for brain and eye development, it flakes into soft pieces easily and fish is one of the allergens to introduce early.
Good source of: Omega-3, Protein, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12
How to serve salmon by age
6 to 9 months
Bake, steam or poach until cooked through, then flake and mash with potato or vegetables. For finger food, offer large soft flakes or salmon fishcakes made without salt. Salmon fillets cook in about 12 minutes in the oven.
9 to 12 months
Serve flaked salmon in pasta, rice or omelettes, or as small soft pieces to pick up.
12 months and up
Offer salmon fillet, fishcakes or salmon pasta as part of family meals. Salmon is also lovely in pasta bakes and fishcakes for toddlers.
Choking safety
Check carefully for bones by flaking the fish with your fingers. Cooked salmon is soft, but serve moist flakes rather than dry chunks.
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
- Oily fish: up to 2 portions a week for girls and up to 4 for boys.
- Smoked salmon is salty, so keep it occasional and choose fresh or tinned for everyday.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains fish, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce fish
Easy ideas
- Salmon and sweet potato fishcakes
- Flaked salmon through pea pasta
- Salmon with mashed potato and broccoli
Goes well with
Recipes with salmon
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat salmon?
Can babies eat salmon? Yes, from about 6 months. Salmon is an oily fish rich in omega-3 fats for brain and eye development, it flakes into soft pieces easily and fish is one of the allergens to introduce early.
How often can babies eat salmon?
Salmon is oily fish, so NHS guidance is up to 2 portions a week for girls and up to 4 for boys.
Can babies eat tinned salmon?
Yes. Choose salmon tinned in water, mash any soft bones well, and it is a handy source of calcium. Tinned salmon bones are soft and edible when mashed, adding calcium.
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).