Anchovies for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve anchovies to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Anchovies in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Anchovies to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, only offer anchovies that have had all bones thoroughly removed and are thoroughly mashed or finely shredded. Due to their saltiness and small size, use just a tiny piece (about 5g/0.18oz) mixed into other foods like mashed vegetables or plain grains. This both softens the texture and helps mellow the taste, making it safer and easier for baby to handle. Never serve whole or in chunks at this age to avoid risk of choking or gagging. Always check for any missed bones before serving.
Serving Instructions
Anchovies are nutrient-dense but very salty, so offer in very small amounts (about 5g/0.18oz), mashed and mixed into other foods such as pureed vegetables or plain porridge. Combine with a good source of vitamin C, like bell pepper puree, to enhance iron absorption. Together with a grain and a soft-cooked vegetable, this makes a balanced meal. Watch for sodium intake and ensure breast milk or formula remains the main drink.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Anchovies to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For children 9-18 months, continue to remove all anchovy bones and serve the fish finely shredded or in very small flakes. You can mix anchovies (around 10g/0.35oz) into scrambled egg, avocado, or on toast fingers, always ensuring the pieces are small enough to minimize any choking risk. Avoid serving whole fillets and always check for bones and overly salty pieces. Introduce slowly and combine with lower-salt foods to balance out sodium intake.
Serving Instructions
At this age, anchovies can be included in a variety of meals, but still use moderation due to the salt content (no more than 10g/0.35oz per meal). Mix with lower-sodium foods such as avocado, egg, or soft vegetables, and serve alongside whole grains for a complete meal. Pairing with vitamin C sources remains beneficial. Always thoroughly check for bones and serve in very small flakes for easy handling.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Anchovies to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
For toddlers 18+ months, anchovies can be finely chopped and offered as a mix-in for pasta, salads, or as a pizza topping. Serve up to 15g (0.5oz) per meal. These strong-flavored fish can still be salty, so use sparingly and balance with fresh fruits or vegetables. Ensure all skin and bones are removed, and avoid serving whole anchovies at this age, as small fish can still be a choking risk if not sufficiently chopped. Always supervise meals and offer with a variety of textures.
Serving Instructions
Toddlers from 18 months can enjoy anchovies as a flavor enhancer or topping, up to 15g (0.5oz) per meal. Mix into pasta, rice, or use on pizza with other vegetables. Serve alongside iron-rich foods and vitamin C fruits and vegetables for a meal that supports healthy growth. Continue to monitor salt intake and avoid exceeding recommended amounts. Supervise eating and encourage variety.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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