Salmon for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve salmon to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Salmon in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Salmon to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, remove all bones and skin from the cooked salmon. Offer salmon flaked into small, soft pieces that are easy to mash between your fingers. You can also mix the flaked salmon into a smooth puree with a little breast milk, formula, or water for easier swallowing. Serve salmon as part of a balanced meal with soft vegetables or iron-rich grains. Always check for pin bones carefully, and never serve raw or smoked salmon at this age.
Serving Instructions
Offer about 20–30g (0.7–1 oz) of well-cooked, flaked salmon 1–2 times per week as one of the protein sources. Pair with vitamin C-rich veggies and iron-rich grains or legumes to help with iron absorption and overall nutrition. Always check for bones before serving. Salmon is a great source of brain-building fats and protein, but should be balanced with a variety of foods, including fruits, grains, and vegetables every meal.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Salmon to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
At 9-18 months, serve the salmon flaked into bite-sized, soft pieces that your toddler can pick up easily. Remove all bones and skin diligently. If your child has mastered finger foods, offer small pieces of cooked salmon as is, or mix it into soft foods such as mashed potato, avocado, or cooked pasta. Continue to avoid raw and smoked salmon to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Supervise closely as fish can still pose a mild choking risk if not chewed properly.
Serving Instructions
Offer 30–40g (1–1.4 oz) of cooked, flaked salmon up to two times per week. Serve alongside soft, varied sides—steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or well-cooked grains. Salmon should be part of a meal with a mix of nutrients, ensuring the child also gets iron, vitamin C, and fiber in their diet. Keep meals fun and colorful to encourage trying new foods. Rotate between fish, poultry, beans, and other proteins for balanced nutrition.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Salmon to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
For children 18 months and older, continue to serve salmon in small, manageable pieces. At this age, you can offer slightly larger chunks if your child chews well and has demonstrated safe eating skills. Salmon can be served flaked, in patties, or gently grilled/baked. Always ensure all bones are removed. Avoid raw or smoked salmon until at least age 3 due to risk of foodborne illness. Serve as part of a balanced meal alongside vegetables, grains, or legumes, and encourage self-feeding with utensils.
Serving Instructions
Serve 40–50g (1.4–1.8 oz) of salmon up to twice a week as an age-appropriate protein. Offer as part of a family meal—salmon patties, flaked into salads, or lightly grilled. Balance with colorful vegetables and grains, and let your child practice using a fork. Salmon is packed with healthy fats and protein, but variety is key—aim for different proteins and plenty of produce at each meal.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
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.
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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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