Can Infants Eat Salmon? When and How to Introduce Salmon Safely
Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein, healthy fats, and vital nutrients like vitamin D, making it a great first food to introduce during infant feeding. But when can babies start eating salmon, and how should you prepare it for your little one?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about introducing salmon to your infant, including ideal age, preparation tips, health benefits, allergy risks and more.
When Can Babies Eat Salmon?
Most experts agree that salmon can be part of baby’s diet starting around 6 months of age when solid foods are first introduced.
Some key signs your infant is ready for solids and salmon include:
- Good head and neck control
- Ability to sit upright with support
- Loss of tongue-thrust reflex
- Interest in foods you are eating
While some parents start solids closer to 4 months, both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization recommend waiting until around 6 months to begin infant feeding.
Salmon’s soft, flaky texture makes it an ideal early finger food for babies following a baby-led weaning approach. However, for spoon-fed infants, slightly mushier foods may be introduced first, followed by salmon around 8-10 months as they transition to finger foods.
How Often Can Babies Eat Salmon?
While salmon is quite nutritious, both the FDA and AAP recommend limiting fish intake to just 1-2 servings per week for infants under 12 months old.
This is due to possible contaminants like mercury, which can build up in certain fish. Luckily, salmon tends to be low in mercury, but other toxins like PCBs may still be present.
A serving size is about 1 ounce or 2-3 tablespoons of flaked fish. While some babies may tolerate salmon more frequently, a maximum of two 1-ounce servings per week is a good rule of thumb for infants under 1 year old.
How to Prepare Salmon for Baby
Proper preparation is key to making salmon safe for your infant. Be sure to:
- Cook thoroughly to 145°F internal temperature
- Remove all bones
- Cut/flake into small, manageable pieces
- Mash or puree for younger infants
Here are some serving ideas tailored to your infant’s age and developmental stage:
For 6-8 months: Salmon puree mixed into mashed avocado or sweet potato. Flaked and mashed with breastmilk or formula into a chunky paste.
For 9-12 months: Small, soft pieces of flaked salmon around the size of a pinky fingernail. Salmon cakes or patties cut into strips or small bits.
For 12+ months: Grilled salmon cubes to pick up. Salmon salad mixed with yogurt. Salmon incorporated into finger foods like whole wheat pasta or scrambled eggs.
Health Benefits of Salmon for Babies
Salmon provides a powerhouse of nutrition to support your growing infant. Key benefits include:
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Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA to promote brain and eye development.
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High-quality, easy-to-absorb protein for growth.
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Vitamin D for healthy bones and immune function.
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Vitamin B12, selenium, potassium, iron and more.
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Anti-inflammatory properties.
Introducing salmon early can help children reap these nutritional rewards and may reduce picky eating of fish later on.
Risk of Salmon Allergy in Babies
Though less common than shellfish allergies, finned fish like salmon are one of the top food allergens. Speak to your pediatrician before first introducing salmon if your child has eczema, egg allergy or a family history of allergies, as these increase risk.
Allergic reactions may include:
- Hives, itching, rash
- Facial swelling
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
Introduce salmon in small amounts and watch closely for any concerning symptoms. Promptly seek medical care if a severe reaction occurs.
Is Salmon a Choking Risk?
Fish bones are an inherent choking hazard for babies. To reduce risk:
- Carefully check salmon pieces and remove any bones
- Cut fish into small, manageable pieces
- Always supervise eating and remain within arms’ reach
- Never allow baby to eat salmon lying down or while moving around
By taking precautions and following safe infant feeding practices, parents can confidently introduce salmon and reap the many nutritional benefits this superfood has to offer. Start slowly with small amounts, allowing your child time to adapt to new textures and flavors.
If you have concerns about allergies or preparation, discuss introducing salmon with your pediatrician. They can provide tailored advice based on your baby’s unique needs and development.
With the proper precautions, salmon can be a nutritious addition to your little one’s diet starting as early as 6 months. Its brain-boosting omega-3s and easy texture make it a win for both baby and parents alike. Follow safe handling and serving tips, and both you and your infant can enjoy salmon worry-free.
Salmon recipes for babies and toddlers
A simple salmon filet might be your idea of delicious. But for some babies and toddlers, salmon’s fishy taste can be a tough sell.
There are many ways to make salmon more appealing (or just switch it up, if your sweetie’s a natural-born seafood lover). Just remember to always introduce one food at a time, especially top allergens like eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, dairy and seafood.
- Simple salmon salad. Mix cooked, flaked salmon with Greek yogurt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve with whole grain toast strips.
- Sweet potato salmon cakes. Combine cooked, flaked salmon with mashed baked sweet potato and enough bread crumbs and beaten egg to bind the mixture together. Form into small patties and bake or lightly pan-fry.
- Salmon fried rice. Sauté cooked and flaked salmon with cooked brown or white rice, frozen peas, diced carrot and beaten egg until the egg is fully cooked.
- Salmon-veggie frittata. Stir cooked, flaked salmon into beaten eggs; add whatever finely diced veggie you have on hand. Pour into a pie plate or nonstick skillet and bake until puffed and golden.
- Creamy salmon pasta with peas. Toss flaked salmon with well-cooked whole wheat pasta, diced bits of cream cheese and thawed frozen peas.
- Baked salmon nuggets. Combine flaked salmon with enough flour and beaten egg so the mixture binds together. Form into small nuggets. Dip mixture in flour, then beaten egg, then panko breadcrumbs. Spray or brush lightly with oil and bake until golden.
How to prepare salmon for a 12-month-old and up
Your toddler can practice using her fork to spear small chunks of salmon. Or try serving salmon patties or cakes, cut into small pieces, for her to grab with her fork.
Salmon – How to Feed Your Baby Safely
FAQ
How do I give my 6 month old salmon?
How to prepare salmon for a 6-month-old. Cut salmon into strips (about the size of two adult fingers) for your baby to palm and gum.May 4, 2021
What fish can babies not eat?
Is it safe for kids to eat salmon?
Is salmon healthy for babies? Absolutely! Salmon is packed with essential nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which is super important for baby’s brain development. It’s also low in mercury. You can introduce it as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, usually around 6 months.
How much salmon can a 6 month old eat?
A 6-month-old baby can eat approximately 1 ounce of salmon, once or twice a week, as part of a variety of foods.