Pike for Babies
Can be served at every age once cooked through, prepared as described below. Choking risk is high (4/5): size and texture matter at every age. Moderate allergen risk (3/5).
Find recipes with Pike in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: October 2026
Safety Information
Always read the safety guidance before servingHow to Serve Pike to a 6–9 Months Old
Milestones for 6–9 monthsPrepare 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.
How to Cut
Pike is a bony fish. To reduce choking risk, debone thoroughly and cook until very soft. For young babies, offer as pureed or finely flaked pike mixed with a little liquid, such as breast milk or formula. Ensure the texture is smooth and lump-free. Avoid serving any pieces or chunks, and always supervise closely. Even tiny bones can pose a hazard, so double-check before serving.
Serving Instructions
For infants 6-9 months, pike should be served as a smooth puree or as finely flaked fish thoroughly checked for bones. Offer about 1-2 tablespoons as part of a balanced meal. Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions.
How to Serve Pike to a 9–18 Months Old
Milestones for 9–12 monthsPrepare 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.
How to Cut
For this age, continue to ensure pike is completely deboned. Offer as soft, moist flakes or mash. Pike can be mixed with cooked vegetables or grains for added nutrition and texture. Cut or mash into small pieces (no bigger than 1 cm/0.4 in) and always check for bones before serving. Avoid fried, dried or chewy pieces.
Serving Instructions
For children 9-18 months, offer pike as soft, moist flakes or mashed, in pieces no larger than 1 cm (0.4 in). A typical portion is 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml or 1-1.5 fl oz) as part of a meal that includes grains, vegetables and a source of healthy fat. Aim for balanced variety and check for bones again before serving. Encourage self-feeding with pre-loaded spoons or hand-fed pieces, but supervise closely to prevent choking, as pike bones are especially small and sharp.
How to Serve Pike to a 18+ Months Old
Milestones for 18–24 monthsPrepare 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.
How to Cut
Continue to serve thoroughly deboned pike. At this stage, you can offer larger, moist, tender pieces (up to 2 cm/0.8 in), always checking for bones. Pike can be served as part of a fish cake, mixed in a casserole, or simply flaked alongside veggies and grains. Remind children to chew well and eat slowly. Avoid dried or tough pieces. Supervision remains crucial, as pike bones are sharp and sometimes hard to spot.
Serving Instructions
For children 18 months and older, pike can be offered in larger, tender pieces (up to 2 cm or 0.8 in) or mixed into dishes like fish cakes or casseroles. Portion size is typically 3-4 tablespoons (45-60 ml or 1.5-2 fl oz) as part of a varied meal with whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats. Remind your child to chew well and eat slowly. Continue to check thoroughly for bones, as even older children are at risk of choking.
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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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