Quick answer
Babies can eat well-cooked salmon from around 6 months, once they're starting solids.
Soft and flaky when cooked, salmon is easy for babies to eat from around 6 months; it's an oily fish that's low in mercury.
Fish is a common allergen, so introduce salmon on its own at first and keep it in the diet (oily fish a couple of times a week is recommended).
When babies can eat salmon
Babies can eat well-cooked salmon from around 6 months, once they're starting solids.
Fish is a common allergen — offer a small amount on its own, watch for any reaction, then include it regularly.
Cook salmon thoroughly until it flakes, and check carefully for bones; oily fish like salmon is low in mercury and fine a couple of times a week.
See our first foods for baby guide for more ideas.
Nutritional benefits for babies
- 💚Omega-3 fats (DHA/EPA) — support brain, nerve, and eye development.
- 💚Protein — high-quality complete protein for growth, in a soft form.
- 💚Vitamin D — supports bone development and immune health.
- 💚Vitamin B12 — supports nerve function and red blood cells.
- 💚Iodine and selenium — support thyroid and immune function.
- 💚Low in mercury — a safe oily fish to offer regularly.
How to serve salmon for babies
6–9 months: Poach, steam, or bake salmon until it flakes; flake it carefully (checking for bones) and offer soft flakes or mix into mash.
6–9 months: Blend cooked salmon into a smooth purée with potato and vegetables.
9–12 months: Soft salmon flakes or salmon-and-potato cakes as the pincer grasp develops.
12+ months: Salmon in fish pies, pasta, and family meals (low-salt); tinned salmon (low-salt, soft bones mashed) works too.
Salmon recipes for babies
Salmon & Potato Purée
Salmon & Pea Mash
Salmon, Potato & Peas
Salmon, Carrot & Rice
Salmon, Broccoli & Potato Bowl
Salmon BLW Cakes (Soft Flakes)
Salmon Avocado Pasta Bowl
See all salmon recipes for babies. Explore baby breakfast recipes, baby-led weaning recipes and first foods for baby for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies eat Salmon?
Yes. Babies can eat Salmon starting around 6 months when they begin solid foods. It should be served in a safe texture and size for babies.
When can babies eat Salmon?
Babies can eat Salmon from around 6 months when starting solids. Babies can eat well-cooked salmon from around 6 months, once they're starting solids. Fish is a common allergen — offer a small amount on its own, watch for any reaction, then include it regularly. Cook salmon thoroughly until it flakes, and check carefully for bones; oily fish like salmon is low in mercury and fine a couple of times a week.
Is Salmon a choking hazard for babies?
Salmon is generally safe for babies when prepared properly. 6–9 months: Poach, steam, or bake salmon until it flakes; flake it carefully (checking for bones) and offer soft flakes or mix into mash. 6–9 months: Blend cooked salmon into a smooth purée with potato and vegetables. 9–12 months: Soft salmon flakes or salmon-and-potato cakes as the pincer grasp develops. 12+ months: Salmon in fish pies, pasta, and family meals (low-salt); tinned salmon (low-salt, soft bones mashed) works too.
Is Salmon a common allergen?
Some babies may be allergic to Salmon. Introduce Salmon carefully when babies start solids and watch for reactions.
How should Salmon be served to babies?
6–9 months: Poach, steam, or bake salmon until it flakes; flake it carefully (checking for bones) and offer soft flakes or mix into mash. 6–9 months: Blend cooked salmon into a smooth purée with potato and vegetables. 9–12 months: Soft salmon flakes or salmon-and-potato cakes as the pincer grasp develops. 12+ months: Salmon in fish pies, pasta, and family meals (low-salt); tinned salmon (low-salt, soft bones mashed) works too.
What nutrients does Salmon provide for babies?
Salmon provides nutrients like protein that support babies' growth and development.
How long can I store Salmon for babies?
Cook Salmon to a safe temperature and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze in single-serving portions for up to 1 month to preserve nutrients.
Should I buy organic Salmon for my baby?
Organic Salmon isn't strictly necessary for babies, but some families prefer to reduce pesticide exposure. Wash conventional produce thoroughly. Variety and freshness matter most.
How should I introduce Salmon for the first time?
Offer a small amount of Salmon in an age-appropriate texture when your baby is hungry but not starving, ideally early in the day so you can watch for any reactions over several hours.
Is Salmon a good finger food for babies?
Salmon is often served pureed or mashed at first. As your baby develops dexterity, you can offer it as finger food in soft, manageable pieces.
What foods pair well with Salmon for baby?
Salmon pairs well with cooked grains like rice or quinoa, soft vegetables like sweet potato and broccoli, and healthy fats to round out a balanced baby meal.
Should I cook Salmon before serving it to my baby?
Yes. Cook Salmon until tender and easily mashable before serving it to your baby. Steaming, boiling, or roasting softens it enough to be safe.
How much Salmon can a baby eat?
There's no fixed amount. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of Salmon from around 6 months and let your baby regulate intake. Breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition in the first year.
Should I peel or remove the pit from Salmon for my baby?
For Salmon, peeling or pitting is usually not required, but wash it well and serve in a size and texture safe for your baby.
How should I store Salmon fresh for my baby?
Store fresh Salmon in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator crisper drawer, depending on the food. Wash just before preparing and use it when ripe and firm for the best quality for your baby.
Safety tips
- ✓Check very carefully for bones — remove every one before serving.
- ✓Cook salmon thoroughly until it flakes; no raw salmon, and avoid smoked salmon (salty and a listeria risk).
- ✓Introduce fish as an allergen — a small amount first, watching for any reaction.
- ✓Offer oily fish like salmon up to a couple of times a week (guidance limits oily fish portions).
- ✓Avoid salty smoked or battered salmon; offer plain cooked fish.
- ✓Flake into soft, small pieces appropriate for your baby's stage.
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verifiedSources & References
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations: