What fish should I give a 6-month-old baby?

At this age, your baby can discover different fish, whether they are oily or lean, fresh or frozen¹. As the weeks go by, remember to vary the species. 

Which lean fish to choose for baby? 

Cod, pollock, whiting, hake or even haddock can easily find their place in their first meals. 

Their flesh mixes easily with vegetables or well-cooked starches. Before serving, always check very carefully that there are no bones left. 

Your baby is starting to discover new foods? Find our tips to know what to start diversification with. 

Which oily fish to offer baby? 

The salmon, sardine, mackerel or herring are among the fish rich in omega-3, especially EPA and DHA². 

You can alternate them with lean fish to vary the species offered to your baby. 

Can you give salmon to a 6-month-old baby? 

Yes, salmon can be offered to a 6-month-old baby. Like other fish, it must be well cooked through, carefully stripped of its bones and served in a suitable texture. 

At this age, the portion is 10 g maximum, i.e. about 2 teaspoons¹. 

To go further: also discover how to introduce salmon into your baby's diet

Not all fish accumulate contaminants in the same way. For children under 3 years of age, some species should therefore be limited, or even avoided ². 

Which fish contain too much mercury or other pollutants? 

Wild predatory fish such as monkfish, sea bass, bonito, eel, halibut, pike, sea bream, skate or tuna should be limited for children under 3 years of age ². 

Large wild predators, which are more exposed to methylmercury, should be avoided at this age. This includes swordfish, marlin, shark and lamprey ². 

Why should some predatory fish be avoided? 

By feeding on other fish, some species gradually accumulate methylmercury in their bodies. The largest predators can therefore contain higher levels ². 

This does not mean, however, that fish should be removed from the menu. To benefit from its nutritional qualities while limiting exposure to contaminants, the recommendations mainly advise varying the species and sources ². 

Can smoked or canned fish be given to babies? 

At 6 months, smoked fish should be avoided. Refrigerated smoked seafood products are not recommended for children under 3 years of age due to microbiological risks, particularly those related to Listeria ³. 

At what age should you give your baby fish for the first time? 

Fish can be introduced between 4 and 6 months, once complementary feeding has started ¹. 

It is not recommended to systematically delay its introduction in the event of a family history of allergies. If your baby has a known allergy themselves or if you have any particular doubts, your pediatrician can guide you. 

How much fish should you give a 6-month-old baby? 

At 6 months, allow a maximum of 10 g of meat or fish per day, or about 2 teaspoons ¹⁻². 

From 8 months up to 1 year, the portion increases to about 20 g, or 4 teaspoons. After 1 year, it is about 30 g ². 

How many times a week should you give your baby fish? 

Fish can be offered twice a week, varying the species ¹⁻². 

On the other days, you can alternate with meat or egg. At 6 months, meat, fish or egg are offered only once a day (1). 

Also read:When to introduce egg to your baby? 

How to prepare fish for a 6-month-old baby? 

The fish must be thoroughly cooked through, with no added salt, then carefully checked to remove all bones ¹⁻³. 

At 6 months, blend it or mash it finely with the other foods in the meal. Steaming is convenient, but baking in the oven or cooking in a saucepan is also suitable as long as the flesh is completely cooked. 

Fresh or frozen fish: which one to choose for your baby? 

Both are suitable. You can choose a fresh fillet or plain frozen fish. At this age, simply avoid breaded or pre-cooked products¹. 

If you use frozen fish, follow the defrosting instructions and never refreeze fish that has already been defrosted ³. 

How to cook fish properly for your baby? 

The flesh must be cooked through. Raw or undercooked fish is not recommended for children under 3 years old ³. After cooking, carefully flake the fillet with a fork. Take this opportunity to check once again that no bones have slipped into your baby's portion. 

What texture to offer at 6 months? 

At first, the fish can be blended or very finely mashed ¹. It mixes easily with vegetables and starches suitable for your baby. 

Textures will then gradually evolve with their abilities. At this stage, there is no need to rush the introduction of pieces.

Good Goût baby meals to introduce fish 

Recipes adapted to complementary feeding 

On days when you don't feel like taking out the pots, some Good Goût baby meals also allow you to introduce fish to your baby. 

TheMashed cauliflower, potato and Alaska pollock also allows you to introduce fish to your baby in a simple recipe, with vegetables and a starch. 

Another option, the Slow-cooked parsnip, kale and salmon, also available from 6 months. Two recipes, two fish and already new flavors to discover. 

A practical solution to vary the fish daily 

At home, you can also try very simple combinations such as cod-zucchini-potato, salmon-parsnip or pollock-carrot. 

Your baby is discovering their first flavors? Find our advice on which vegetable to offer your baby first. 

As the weeks go by, alternate between oily and lean fish while keeping the same habits: a portion adapted to their age, thorough cooking and a careful check for bones. And above all, let your baby discover these new flavors at their own pace: some tastes will be an immediate hit, others will require a few tries. 

Sources 

(1) Assurance Maladie — Complementary feeding 

(2) Assurance Maladie — Regular fish consumption: between nutritional benefits and risks related to pollutants 

(3) Assurance Maladie — Eating fish: know the immediate risks and prevent them