First foods database
🐟 Swordfish for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat swordfish? No. NHS guidance is that babies, children and young people should not eat swordfish, shark or marlin, because these large predatory fish build up high levels of mercury, which can affect a developing nervous system.
Good source of: Protein, Selenium, Vitamin D
How to serve swordfish by age
6 to 9 months
Not suitable for babies. Choose lower-mercury fish such as salmon, cod, haddock, pollock or sardines to introduce fish, an important early allergen.
9 to 12 months
Still not suitable. Keep offering other fish two or more times a week, including one portion of oily fish such as salmon or mackerel.
12 months and up
Not recommended for children at any age. NHS advice is to avoid swordfish throughout childhood and the teenage years.
Choking safety
Swordfish should not be offered, so there is no serving guidance. When you serve other fish, flake it with your fingers to find bones and serve soft, moist pieces.
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
- Swordfish, shark and marlin are high in mercury and should not be given to children.
- If your child has eaten a little swordfish once, there is no need to worry; just avoid it going forward. Speak to your GP if you have concerns.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains fish, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce fish
Goes well with
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat swordfish?
Can babies eat swordfish? No. NHS guidance is that babies, children and young people should not eat swordfish, shark or marlin, because these large predatory fish build up high levels of mercury, which can affect a developing nervous system.
Why can't babies eat swordfish?
Swordfish is a large predatory fish that accumulates mercury. Mercury can affect the developing brain and nervous system, so the NHS advises children avoid it.
What fish can babies eat instead?
Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, cod, haddock, pollock and tinned tuna are all good choices from about 6 months.
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).