First foods database
🐟 Tilapia for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat tilapia? Yes, from about 6 months. Tilapia is a very mild, soft white fish that flakes easily, so it suits babies trying fish for the first time. Fish is one of the common allergens, so offer a small amount on its own first and then keep it in the rotation.
Good source of: Protein, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Phosphorus
How to serve tilapia by age
6 to 9 months
Bake, steam or poach fillets until opaque and flaking easily. Remove the skin and run your fingers through the flesh for bones. Flake into mashed potato or plantain, or offer soft chunks the size of your finger for baby to hold and squash.
9 to 12 months
Flake tilapia into rice dishes, mild stews and soft fishcakes, or offer small flakes for the pincer grip.
12 months and up
Tilapia in family curries, tomato stews and fish tacos. Fry or grill with herbs and lime rather than salty seasoning mixes.
Choking safety
Tilapia is soft once cooked, but fillets can still hide the odd bone. Check carefully and flake into small pieces for 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
- Fish is an allergen: introduce on its own and keep offering.
- Tilapia is a white fish and lower in omega-3 than oily fish, so include oily fish like salmon too.
Introducing it as an allergen
It contains fish, one of the 14 major allergens. How to introduce fish
Easy ideas
- Tilapia with mashed plantain
- Tilapia in a mild tomato and pepper stew
- Flaked tilapia with rice and peas
Goes well with
Recipes with tilapia
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat tilapia?
Can babies eat tilapia? Yes, from about 6 months. Tilapia is a very mild, soft white fish that flakes easily, so it suits babies trying fish for the first time. Fish is one of the common allergens, so offer a small amount on its own first and then keep it in the rotation.
Is tilapia healthy for babies?
Yes. It is a lean source of protein and is low in mercury. It has less omega-3 than oily fish, so mix it with salmon or sardines over the week.
Can babies eat frozen tilapia?
Yes. Defrost it fully in the fridge, cook it thoroughly until it flakes, and check for bones.
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).