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Salmon and other fish for babies

How to serve it at 6, 9 and 12 months.

The CDC lists fish among proteins for babies 6 to 12 months, as soft, small pieces, and its choking list names bones in fish. Fish is one of the nine major allergens. A choking hazard on the CDC's list. A major allergen (fish).

Checked October 29, 2026.

How to serve fish at 6, 9 and 12 months

Serving fish, following the CDC and AAP texture and choking guidance
AgeHow to serve it
About 6 monthsCook it through, remove every bone, and flake or puree it.
About 9 monthsFlaked, boneless fish in small pieces; check again for bones.
About 12 monthsFlaked, boneless fish at the table.

Every baby is different. Start the same way for every food: your baby sits up, you are right there, and the pieces match what they can do.

Is fish a choking hazard?

It is named on the CDC's choking list. The AAP says to cut food for infants and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch, to have children sit while they eat, and to watch every meal.

Is fish an allergen?

It contains fish, one of the nine major food allergens the FDA names.

The AAP says there is no evidence that waiting beyond 4 to 6 months prevents food allergy, and that new foods go in one at a time. See introducing allergens for the AAP and NIAID guidance, and ask your pediatrician if your baby has severe eczema or an allergy.

Where this comes from

Named by: CDC: Foods and Drinks to Encourage; CDC: Choking Hazards. The serving steps follow the CDC's texture advice and the AAP's finger-food and choking pages.

Call your pediatrician if…

Your pediatrician knows your child. Call them if you have a worry about a food, a reaction or choking. The AAP and the CDC have more:

Peabody editors write these pages from the sources below. We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice for your child.

Sources