
Can be served at every age once cooked through, prepared as described below. Low choking risk. Allergen risk is high (4/5): start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Prepare with care
Only if cooked through.
The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooking fish thoroughly, until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.
For babies 6-9 months, ensure the fish patties are very soft and moist. Form small, oval patties (about 2.5 cm/1 inch thick) and break them into large, easy-to-hold pieces. You can also flake the patty further to offer small, mashed bits as needed. Avoid any crisp or rough edges that could break off in hard chunks. Check carefully for any stray fish bones before serving, as they pose a significant choking risk. Serve the patties as part of a meal with plenty of iron-rich veggies and soft grains for balance.
Offer about 1/3 to 1/2 of a medium patty (20-30g/0.7-1oz) per meal, introducing fish as a single new food to watch for allergic reactions. Integrate with a portion of iron-fortified cereal, soft cooked vegetables, and a healthy fat like avocado. Always check carefully for bones, and ensure the texture is very soft and moist, to minimize the risk of choking and assist with oral motor skill development.
Prepare with care
Only if cooked through.
The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooking fish thoroughly, until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.
At this age, fish patties can be cut or broken into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 cm/0.6 inch cubes) that are easy to pick up. Ensure the texture remains soft and moist to reduce choking risk. Discourage offering whole patties unless your child has good chewing control, as larger pieces may be stuffed in the mouth. Always check for bones. You can also mash the patty if spoon-feeding. Serve alongside a variety of vegetables and some whole grains for a balanced meal.
Serve 1/2 to 1 medium patty (30-45g/1-1.6oz) as part of a main meal, alongside a variety of chopped vegetables and a portion of soft grains. Continue to be mindful of bones. Fish is a good protein source and can be offered 1-2 times per week for variety. Balance the meal with vitamin C-rich produce to support iron absorption, and encourage self-feeding skills.
Prepare with care
Only if cooked through.
The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooking fish thoroughly, until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.
For children 18 months and older, fish patties can be served whole or in halves, depending on your child’s chewing skills and preference. Continue to ensure a soft, moist texture and no bones. Encourage your child to practice biting and chewing, but monitor closely for large bites. If choking risk remains high, offer in smaller pieces. Combine with colorful vegetables and a portion of whole grains to round out the meal.
Serve 1 to 1.5 medium patties (45-60g/1.6-2.1oz) as part of lunch or dinner, with a full side of vegetables and whole grains. Encourage independent eating, but supervise closely until confident in chewing skills. Keep the texture tender, check for bones, and balance the meal with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado.
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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:
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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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