Sardines for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve sardines to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Sardines in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Sardines to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, sardines should be prepared as boneless, skinless fillets to minimize choking risk. Use canned sardines in water or olive oil (preferably with no added salt) and carefully inspect for small bones, removing any you find—it’s crucial to be meticulous here, as even tiny bones can pose a risk. Mash the soft flesh with a fork until completely smooth, or blend for extra safety and a smoother texture, which is easier for babies without teeth to manage. You can mix sardines into iron-rich vegetable purees or offer them plain on a preloaded spoon. Serve small portions: about 15-30 grams (0.5-1 oz) as part of a meal with vegetables, grains, and fruits.
Serving Instructions
Introduce sardines in small portions of about 15–30 g (0.5–1 oz) as part of a well-rounded meal with vegetables and grains. Sardines are an iron- and omega-3–rich protein that supports brain development and iron levels, especially important if not regularly eating red meat. Pairing with vitamin C–rich foods (like bell pepper or citrus puree) may enhance iron absorption. Always check for bones and mash thoroughly. Avoid heavily salted or smoked varieties. Rotate proteins for variety and balanced nutrition.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Sardines to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
At this stage, sardines can be offered as soft, boneless fillets, cut into small, manageable pieces about the size of a chickpea or shredded into flakes. Continue to use canned sardines in water or olive oil (preferably unsalted), and always double-check for any tiny bones. You may encourage self-feeding by offering chunks or flakes as finger food, or continue to use preloaded spoons. Sardines can be mixed into pasta, mashed with avocado, or served atop toast strips. Typical portion for this age is 20-35 grams (0.7-1.2 oz) as part of a balanced meal with varied proteins, veggies, and grains. Remind your child to eat slowly and always supervise meals.
Serving Instructions
Offer sardines in portions of 20–35 g (0.7–1.2 oz), including them at mealtimes with vegetables, grains, and other proteins. Sardines deliver healthy fats, protein, iron, and vitamin D. Flake, mash, or finely chop for self-feeding practice. Mix with pasta, smear on toast, or combine with avocado for variety. Continue to pair with vitamin C–rich foods for optimal iron absorption. Keep meals balanced, offering a spectrum of flavors and nutrients.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Sardines to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
From 18 months onward, sardines can be served as small bite-sized pieces or flakes, encouraging self-feeding and exploration of textures. Continue to vigilantly check for bones, even in boneless canned sardines. At this stage, children can enjoy sardines atop whole grain crackers, mixed into scrambled eggs, added to salads, or as part of a sandwich. Consider offering a dipping sauce for extra fun. Usual portion size is 25–40 grams (0.9–1.4 oz) alongside a mix of vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Always supervise your child during meals to ensure safe eating.
Serving Instructions
Serve sardines in portions of 25–40 g (0.9–1.4 oz), integrating them into family meals. Offer alongside diverse vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Sardines can be enjoyed on crackers, mixed into eggs, or as a filling in pita or sandwiches. Continue to offer with vitamin C–rich options for best iron use. Explore flavors and textures, supporting your child’s autonomy and adventurous eating.
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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