Anchovies for Babies
Can be served at every age once cooked through, prepared as described below. Watch for: salt. Low choking risk. Allergen risk is very high (5/5): start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
Find recipes with Anchovies in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: October 2026
Safety Information
Always read the safety guidance before servingHow to Serve Anchovies to a 6–9 Months Old
Milestones for 6–9 monthsPrepare with care
Only if fresh and cooked through, or canned with no added salt.
Babies should not eat much salt, as advised by the NHS, and fish must be cooked thoroughly according to the UK Food Standards Agency.
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, use fresh anchovies cooked until opaque or canned anchovies packed with no added salt. Carefully remove the spine and all fine bones, then mash or finely flake the flesh into soft foods like mashed vegetables or grains. Avoid salt-cured anchovies at this age.
Serving Instructions
Choose fresh anchovies (cooked and deboned) or canned anchovies packed without added salt, mashed and mixed into pureed vegetables or grain porridge. Salt-cured or standard canned anchovies should not be served to infants under 12 months due to their high sodium content. Pair with a source of vitamin C, such as bell pepper puree, to support iron absorption, alongside grains and soft vegetables. Breast milk or formula remains the main drink.
How to Serve Anchovies to a 9–18 Months Old
Milestones for 9–12 monthsPrepare with care
Only if fresh and cooked through, or canned with no added salt.
Babies should not eat much salt, as advised by the NHS, and fish must be cooked thoroughly according to the UK Food Standards Agency.
How to Cut
For children 9-18 months, continue to ensure all bones are removed and serve the fish finely flaked. You can mix flaked anchovies into scrambled eggs, mashed avocado, or spread onto toast fingers. Avoid serving whole fillets to minimize choking risk and always check carefully for fine bones.
Serving Instructions
At this age, fresh cooked anchovies or canned anchovies packed with no added salt can be included in family meals, flaked into avocado, egg, or soft vegetables, and served alongside whole grains. Avoid salt-cured or standard canned anchovies during infancy due to their high salt content.
How to Serve Anchovies to a 18+ Months Old
Milestones for 18–24 monthsPrepare with care
Only if fresh and cooked through, or canned with no added salt.
Young children should not eat much salt, as advised by the NHS, and fish must be cooked thoroughly according to the UK Food Standards Agency.
How to Cut
For toddlers 18+ months, anchovies can be finely chopped and offered in pasta dishes, sauces, or as a pizza topping. Ensure all skin and bones are thoroughly removed, and avoid serving whole fillets as they can be chewy and tricky to manage. Always supervise meals.
Serving Instructions
Toddlers from 18 months can enjoy anchovies as a flavour enhancer in pasta, rice, or as a pizza topping alongside vegetables. If using salt-cured anchovies, use them sparingly as a seasoning and balance with fresh, lower-sodium foods. Supervise eating and encourage a varied diet.
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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.
- Talk to your pediatrician: If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has feeding difficulties, check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods.
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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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