Salt Cod (Bacalao) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve salt cod (bacalao) to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Salt Cod (Bacalao) in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Salt Cod (Bacalao) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
After thoroughly soaking and desalting the salt cod, flake the fish very finely with clean hands to remove any tiny bones and tough bits. Ensure the pieces are no wider than your finger and soft enough to mash with a fork. You can further mix the fish into a vegetable puree or mash it with cooked potato to create a smooth, spreadable texture, minimizing choking risk. Always check for hidden bones before serving.
Serving Instructions
Salt cod must be soaked in several changes of cold water for at least 24–48 hours to remove excess salt before serving to babies. Once desalted, combine 10–15 g (about 1/3–1/2 oz) flaked fish with iron-rich veggies or cooked grains for a balanced meal. Mix thoroughly to ensure a moist, soft texture, and always double-check for any bones. Serve with a source of vitamin C, such as cooked bell peppers or broccoli, to help absorb iron. Protein-rich salt cod can support muscle growth but should be used sparingly due to its sodium content.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Salt Cod (Bacalao) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
Soak and desalinate the salt cod thoroughly. Remove all bones and skin, then shred into small, bite-sized flakes. Pieces should be no larger than a pea and soft enough to squish between fingertips. At this age, many children enjoy picking up small flakes or combining the fish with soft-cooked vegetables, rice, or mashed potato for extra moisture. Always supervise and remove any bones, as even fine bones can be a hazard.
Serving Instructions
Desalt salt cod thoroughly before use. Offer 15–25 g (1/2–1 oz) of cooked, flaked fish served with moist foods like rice, mashed potato, or soft vegetables. This age group enjoys self-feeding, so allow your child to pick up small flakes or incorporate cod into finger foods and simple patties. Continue to monitor for any bones. Salt cod remains higher in sodium than fresh fish; balance sodium by serving minimal added salt at other meals.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Salt Cod (Bacalao) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
After soaking and desalting, check the cod for bones and skin, then shred into small, manageable pieces. For older toddlers, you can offer slightly larger pieces that they can pick up themselves, as long as they are tender and easily broken apart with fingers. Always serve with moist sides (vegetables, grains) to prevent dryness, and continue to check for bones. Model safe eating and remind your child to chew thoroughly and eat at the table.
Serving Instructions
After desalting, offer 20–35 g (3/4–1¼ oz) of salt cod as part of a balanced meal, paired with whole grains and vitamin C-rich veggies like tomatoes or peppers. Older toddlers can pick up slightly larger, tender pieces. Continue to check for bones and serve with foods that add moisture. Limit salt cod to once or twice a week due to sodium levels, and offer a variety of fish to broaden nutritional intake.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
Dalo Solids
Looking for Salt Cod (Bacalao) recipe inspiration?
Dalo Solids gives you unlimited recipes, a weekly meal planner, allergen tracking, and AI meal ideas from a photo of your fridge.
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.
By using this guide, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
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.
More Fish
Dalo Solids
Find Salt Cod (Bacalao) recipes — and so much more
Get unlimited baby recipes, snap a photo of your fridge for instant meal ideas, weekly meal plans, and allergen tracking — all in one app.
Or save with the Dalo Family Bundle →