Safety Information
How to Serve Crab to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, remove all shell, cartilage, and tough parts. Only offer the soft, cooked meat, finely shredded or mashed to prevent large chunks. Crab can be mixed with a little breast milk, formula, or water to make it easier to swallow. Always serve plain, without salt or seasoning. Supervise closely, as shellfish is a top allergen and early reactions must be monitored. Portion should be no more than 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of crab as part of a balanced meal with iron-rich foods and vegetables.
Serving Instructions
At 6-9 months, crab should be introduced with caution and only if there is no known family history of shellfish allergy. Serve as part of a balanced meal, with a portion size of 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of plain, thoroughly cooked, shredded crab. Complement with iron-rich foods (like lentils or meat), and vitamin C sources (like broccoli or bell pepper) to support iron absorption. Always introduce on a day when baby is healthy, and observe for allergic reactions for at least two hours after the first few exposures.
How to Serve Crab to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
At 9-18 months, continue to offer only thoroughly cooked crab. Ensure all shell and cartilage are removed. The crab can be finely shredded or minced for finger feeding, or mashed and mixed with soft foods such as avocado or rice. If introducing as a finger food, offer small, moist pieces easy to pick up and chew. Always introduce new allergens when your child is healthy and during daytime. Portion size: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) crab per meal, combined with grains and vegetables.
Serving Instructions
From 9-18 months, continue offering crab only if previous exposures were well-tolerated. Serve with grains (like rice, pasta, or bread) and a variety of vegetables for a balanced plate. Maintain the portion size at 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) per meal. Make sure crab is still cooked, moist, and in a texture your child can manage. As with all major allergens, offer during the day with close supervision, and rotate with other protein sources for overall nutrition.
How to Serve Crab to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
After 18 months, cut cooked crab into small, manageable pieces, ensuring all shell and cartilage are removed. Demonstrate biting and chewing, and encourage your child to chew thoroughly. At this age, children may enjoy crab in recipes like crab cakes or lightly mixed into pasta or rice. Avoid large chunks or pieces with stringy texture, and always keep crab moist for easier chewing. Reinforce allergen awareness and serve in a supportive, supervised environment. Typical portion is 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) as part of a varied meal, alongside grains and vegetables.
Serving Instructions
At 18 months and beyond, serve crab as part of family meals—either alone or incorporated into simple recipes. Present a portion of 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) alongside grains, vegetables, and healthy fats like avocado. Continue to practice allergen safety, making sure all shell and cartilage are removed, and ensure the pieces are safe and easy to chew. Encourage self-feeding and exploration, building a positive relationship with new foods.
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