About Salmon
Salmon is a nutrient-dense fish that can be an excellent food for babies once they start solids. It is soft and flaky when cooked, making it easy to serve in baby-friendly textures. Salmon is especially valued for its healthy fats, which support rapid growth and development in infancy. It provides high-quality protein for growth, omega-3 fats including DHA for brain and eye development, and vitamin D for bone health. Salmon also contains selenium, potassium, and small amounts of iron and zinc. Because many babies need foods rich in protein and healthy fats, salmon can be a very useful addition to family meals. Salmon is a common allergen because it is a finned fish. Introduce it in a small amount the first time and watch closely for signs of an allergic reaction. Bones are also an important safety concern, so always check carefully and remove every bone before serving. Avoid raw or undercooked salmon for babies and toddlers, and skip smoked salmon for babies because it is high in sodium and not fully cooked. Most babies can start salmon from 6 months old, served as soft flakes or a large strip of well-cooked fish with all bones removed. As your child develops chewing skills and a pincer grasp, you can offer smaller flakes, bite-sized pieces, and mixed dishes like salmon patties or rice bowls. Continue to serve it fully cooked and supervise closely at every age.
How to serve by age
Offer a strip of freshly cooked salmon about the size of two adult fingers pressed together, or serve large soft flakes mixed into a scoopable food. Remove all bones and skin before serving.
Once your baby is developing a pincer grasp, offer small flakes or soft bite-sized pieces of fully cooked salmon. You can also mix it into mashed vegetables, rice, or salmon patties made without excess salt.
Serve fully cooked salmon in small pieces, in patties, with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Continue checking carefully for bones and avoid smoked, raw, or heavily salted preparations.
Toddlers can eat fork-tender pieces of salmon from family meals as long as it is fully cooked and free of bones. Encourage small bites and seated eating with close supervision.
Pairs well with
Safety & allergens
Salmon is usually soft and flaky, but bones are a serious hazard. Serve fully cooked salmon with every bone, piece of skin, and tough connective tissue removed. For younger babies, offer large soft flakes or a finger-length strip; for older babies and toddlers, offer small bite-sized pieces.
What to watch for
Safety checklist
Storage & shelf life
Refrigerate cooked salmon in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days.
Freeze cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Nutrition
- Rich in omega-3 fats that support brain and eye development
- Provides high-quality protein for growth
- Contains vitamin D for bone health
- Offers potassium and selenium for overall health
- A common allergen
- Contains little to no fiber
- Must be carefully checked for bones before serving
- Some preparations like smoked salmon are too high in sodium for babies
Key nutrients
Nutrition facts
| Calories | 902kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 100.0g |
per 100 g
In season
Common questions
When can babies eat Salmon?
Is Salmon a choking hazard?
Is Salmon a common allergen?
More first foods
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