Safety Information
How to Serve Scallops to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6 to 9 months, scallops must be cooked thoroughly until firm and opaque throughout (internal temperature at least 63°C/145°F). Let cool, then finely mince or mash the scallops. You can also blend them into a smooth puree with a little breast milk, formula, or water for easy swallowing. Avoid serving in pieces or slices at this stage, as scallops are chewy and could pose a choking risk if not adequately broken down. Mix the puree or mash into other soft foods, such as mashed sweet potato or well-cooked grains, for a balanced meal.
Serving Instructions
A typical beginner portion of scallops for 6-9 months is 10-15 grams (about 0.35–0.53 oz) cooked, served as a part of a meal that includes soft-cooked vegetables and an iron-rich food like lentils or beef. Due to their high allergenicity, introduce scallops when your baby is healthy and serve early in the day to monitor for reactions. Pair with vitamin C-rich foods to support iron absorption. Always ensure scallops are thoroughly cooked and free from shell or grit.
How to Serve Scallops to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For 9 to 18 months, scallops should remain thoroughly cooked. After cooling, cut them into very small, bite-sized pieces (about 1 cm/0.4 in cubes) or continue to finely shred or mash if your child is still learning to chew. Monitor closely, as scallops can be chewy; ensure each piece is soft and easy to squish between your fingers. Avoid serving whole or large pieces. If there is any hesitation with texture, stick to a mash or mix scallops into other foods like soft pasta or vegetables. Always supervise closely during eating.
Serving Instructions
For 9-18 months, serve 15-20 grams (0.53–0.7 oz) of cooked scallop, cut into safe, small pieces or mixed into soft foods. Offer as part of a balanced plate with grain (like small pasta or rice) and cooked vegetables. Continue to monitor for allergic reactions and choking risk, introducing new shellfish one at a time. Ensure every meal features a source of iron and vitamin C alongside scallops for optimal nutrition.
How to Serve Scallops to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
At 18+ months, scallops can be cut into slightly larger, manageable bite-sized pieces (up to 1.5 cm/0.6 in). Always ensure they are cooked through and soft, not chewy. For children comfortable with chewing, you can offer half or whole scallops, closely monitoring for any signs of difficulty. Demonstrate how to take small bites and chew thoroughly. If needed, continue to slice or mash for children not ready for larger textures. Remember, all shellfish can be a choking risk when not adequately prepared, so supervision is essential.
Serving Instructions
For children 18 months and older, a portion of 20-25 grams (0.7–0.88 oz) of cooked scallop is suitable as part of a main meal, served with a mix of grains, legumes, and colorful vegetables. At this age, children may enjoy more independence with utensils, but supervision during shellfish consumption remains essential. Continue pairing with foods rich in iron and vitamin C. Always ensure scallops are cooked through, cut appropriately for safety, and introduced cautiously due to allergenicity.
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