
Can be served at every age, at most 1 serving per week. Watch for: mercury. Low choking risk. Allergen risk is high (4/5): start with a small amount and watch for a reaction.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Limit
At most 1 serving per week
FDA and EPA categorize halibut as a 'Good Choice' and advise limiting it to 1 serving per week for young children due to mercury.
For babies 6-9 months, halibut should be cooked thoroughly until opaque and flakes easily. Remove all bones with extra care. Offer halibut as a smooth puree or finely mashed, mixed with a little breast milk, formula, or water to reach a soft consistency. You can serve small spoonfuls or spread a thin layer on a preloaded spoon. At this age, avoid serving chunks or strips to minimize choking risk. Aim for a portion of roughly 20-30g (0.7-1 oz) of cooked fish as part of a meal along with vegetables and a starchy food.
Serve halibut as a smoothly blended puree or very finely mashed, always checking for and removing bones. Due to moderate mercury levels, limit halibut to at most 1 serving per week. Combine a small portion (20-30g/0.7-1 oz) with vegetables, an iron-rich food, and a vitamin C source for balanced nutrition.
Limit
At most 1 serving per week
FDA and EPA categorize halibut as a 'Good Choice' and advise limiting it to 1 serving per week for young children due to mercury.
For 9-18 months, continue cooking halibut thoroughly and removing all bones. Offer as mashed pieces, soft flakes, or very small bites that baby can grasp. If your child is developing a pincer grasp, you can offer pea-sized pieces (about 1cm/0.4in). Fish cakes or soft patties made with flaked halibut, potato, and some herbs can encourage self-feeding. Avoid breaded or deep-fried options. For balanced meals, aim for 30-40g (1-1.4 oz) of cooked fish served with a variety of vegetables and grains.
Serve halibut in soft, mashed pieces or pea-sized flakes, as finger food or self-feeding practice. Combine with grains like rice or soft pasta and vitamin C-rich veggies. Total cooked fish portion can be about 30-40g (1-1.4 oz) per meal as part of a balanced plate including iron and healthy fats.
Limit
At most 1 serving per week
FDA and EPA categorize halibut as a 'Good Choice' and advise limiting it to 1 serving per week for young children due to mercury.
For children 18 months and older, halibut can be served in bite-sized pieces, soft flakes, or mixed into casseroles and pasta dishes. Continue to check for bones. Encourage your child to use a fork or spoon. Halibut cakes, gently pan-seared (not deep-fried), or baked fillets are nutritious options. At this age, children may enjoy about 40-50g (1.4-1.8 oz) as part of a balanced meal with vegetables, whole grains, and a healthy fat source like avocado or olive oil.
At 18+ months, serve halibut as bite-sized pieces, in patties, or mixed into family meals like pasta or casseroles. Encourage use of utensils. Pair 40-50g (1.4-1.8 oz) of halibut with whole grains, a rainbow of veggies, and a source of healthy fats for a well-rounded plate.
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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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