Salmon for Babies: How to Serve Them Safely
Yes. Boneless, skinless, fully cooked salmon can be introduced around 6 months. Fish is a common allergen, so start with a small flake. Salmon is also one of the best infant sources of DHA.
Can babies eat salmon?
Yes. Cook until it flakes easily, then check twice for bones. Serve as a large soft finger of fish or as flakes mixed into avocado.
When can babies have salmon?
Around 6 months. Low-mercury fish such as salmon is recommended as part of complementary feeding. Do not delay fish without a medical reason.
Salmon provides DHA and EPA omega-3 fats, protein, and vitamin D. Those fats matter for brain and eye development in the first year.
How to serve salmon
How to serve salmon at 6 months
Offer boneless cooked salmon in a finger-sized strip, or large flakes a baby can rake up. Mix with avocado if it is dry.
How to serve salmon at 9 months
Serve smaller flakes or bite-sized pieces. A salmon mash with yogurt or avocado works well for scooping.
How to serve salmon at 12+ months
Strips, flakes, or pieces are all fine. Keep bones out. Smoked salmon is salty — use only a tiny taste, if at all.
Are salmon a choking hazard?
Bones are the main hazard. Use boneless fillets and flake with your fingers before serving. Dry overcooked fish can also be hard to manage.
Are salmon an allergen?
Fish is a major allergen. Introduce a small flake first, then keep salmon in the rotation if tolerated. Shellfish is a separate allergen.
How much salmon can a baby eat?
A few flakes or one small strip is enough at 6 months. Offering fish 1–2 times a week is a practical pattern.
Do salmon need to be cooked?
Yes. Cook through until opaque and flaky. Do not serve raw salmon to babies.
Can babies eat frozen salmon?
Yes. Cook from thawed fish. Fully reheat leftovers until hot, then cool to serve.
How to prepare salmon
- Choose boneless, skinless salmon.
- Bake, steam, or poach until it flakes.
- Run your fingers through the fish to check for bones.
Storage
- Cook fresh salmon within 1–2 days.
- Refrigerate cooked salmon 2–3 days.
- Freeze extra portions up to 3 months.
Easy salmon recipes
Frequently asked questions
Is canned salmon okay?
Canned salmon packed in water can work if you mash it and pick out bones and skin. Choose low-sodium options.
Sources
- Addendum guidelines for the prevention of peanut allergy in the United States — NIAID
- Food Allergies in Babies and Children — American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
- Starting Solid Foods — American Academy of Pediatrics
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods — CDC
- Complementary feeding — World Health Organization
- Your baby’s first solid foods — NHS
Reviewed by Morvarid Nikousokhantayar, Canadian Child Nutrition & BLW Expert.