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Salmon is a very nutritious food to serve to babies and toddlers. High in protein, healthy omega fats and essential micronutrients, there are many kid-friendly ways to offer salmon to babies and kids.

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Salmon, particularly among other sources of seafood, is one of my favorite foods to introduce during baby led weaning for many reasons.

Obviously, it has a superb nutrition profile and is packed with important nutrients for growing babies. It is rich in healthy fats, including DHA omega-3s, which support brain development, eye health, and the nervous system during infancy and early childhood.

Salmon is also a great source of protein, vitamin D, iron, and B12, making it a nutrient-dense option for babies, toddlers, and older kids.

Both canned salmon and baked salmon are both soft, flaky, easy to pick up, which is key for baby led weaning and even feeding toddlers.

I want to learn more about baby led weaning!

Introducing salmon early can also help expose babies to fish as a common allergen and build familiarity with the flavor and texture over time. Sometimes it takes time when introducing new foods and textures and its best to start early!

During toddlerhood, salmon continues to be a great option for supporting growth, development, immunity, and overall nutrition.

Why Salmon Is Good for Babies and Kids

Salmon is an excellent food for babies, toddlers and kids because it is a fanastic source of nutrients!

Rich in Omega-3 Fats

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA. Both EPA and DHA are essential fats that we need, especially as growing babies, supporting brain health, heart health, eye health, skin health and more.

Intake of omega-3s during pregnancy is also essential for a baby’s brain development.

There are also improved outcomes with the size of the baby. For instance, supplementation lowered the risk of both large-for-gestational-age babies and low birth weight babies.

Good Protein Source

While protein isn’t the main thing we worry about for infants, salmon is a good source of protein, and can be a great way to increase protein for toddlers and kids.

Protein helps build muscles, tissues, skin and immune cells, and can help keep kids’ full and satisfied, and avoid the blood sugar swings. We have a whole post on protein for kids!

Packed With Important Nutrients

Salmon is also a great source of other essential nutrients, such as:

• Vitamin D for bone health and immunity
• Iron for growth and brain development
• Zinc for immune support
• Vitamin B12 for energy and nervous system function
• Selenium as an antioxidant to help reduce inflammation and keep systems optimally functioning
• Potassium for hydration and muscle function

Benefits of Salmon for Babies

Aside from nutrition, here are more reasons why I love salmon for babies.

Soft and Easy to Serve

• Salmon is tender, flaky, and easy for babies to gum or chew. Whether you use canned salmon, or baked, it’s generally not a choking hazard since it is soft and mashable.
• You can serve it different ways, such as in strips (like chicken finger strips), in nuggets, mashed in patties, mixed into purees, or even mixed into other foods, like sweetpotatoes, rice, eggs, pasta

Early Allergen Exposure

Salmon is classified as fish, one of the common allergens. Recent research, specifically with eggs and peanut butter, has found that introducing these allergenic foods early and often, can reduce the risk of allergens later in life.

Talk with your pediatrician about introducing salmon with other solids and purees.

Easy to Add Into Family Meals

Because salmon can be served in many kid-friendly ways, it’s easy to add into many family meal ideas, such as tacos, pasta, rice bowls, burgers, wraps, quesadillas and nuggets.

Additionally, salmon often has a milder flavor and softer texture than some other seafood options, which can make it easier for picky eaters to accept. Here are more of our favorite family meals for toddlers.

Stressed about feeding your baby?
Unsure what foods to offer?

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How to Serve Salmon by Age

When it comes to serving salmon to babies and kids by age and skill level, here are some general recommendations.

For 6-9 Months

• Offer large or long soft strips for baby-led weaning as they are learning the “pincer” grasp and to pick up.
• Salmon patties that baby can pick up.
• You can offer finely flaked salmon mixed into purees or mashed foods.

For 9-12 Months

• Smaller bite-sized flakes, such as canned salmon on a baby plate, in a baby bowl or on the high chair.
• Salmon cakes, salmon fritters, or salmo mixed into rice and pasta

For Toddlers

For toddlers, you can continue to offer salmon bites or patties, salmon mac and cheese, air fryer salmon bites, salads tacos and/or rice bowls.

I also like the pre-made salmon burgers from trader joes.

Tips for Cooking Salmon for Kids

Ready to cook salmon for your babies and toddlers? You have many options for cooking it and serving it plain, or follow any of the recipes below!

Here are some easy ways to prepare salmon:

• Bake, air fry, grill, or pan-sear
• Serve canned salmon as a base for salmon patties
• Remove the skin and bones before serving
• Avoid overcooking the salmon so it stays soft and moist
• Pair with familiar foods kids already enjoy – having a safe food is key!

Easy Salmon Recipe Ideas For Babies

1

30 Minute Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

One Pan Sheet pan Salmon and Veggies is an easy way to get those necessary omega-3 fatty acids in, with minimal prep and easy clean up. This salmon and veggies sheet pan dinner is perfect for a hands off, busy weeknight.

Check out this recipe

2

Sweetpotato Salmon Patties

These sweetpotato salmon patties are ready in under 15 minutes and only need 5 key ingredients, a great option for a quick weeknight meal.

Check out this recipe

3

Salmon Kale Salad with Broccoli

This Salmon Kale Salad with Broccoli blends the savory flavors of cooked vegetables and salmon with the sweet flavors of cranberries, topped with a honey lemon dressing. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and provides a light, nutritious meal.

Check out this recipe

4

Salmon Zucchini Fritters

These zucchini salmon fritters can be made in less than 20 minutes and are high in protein and healthy fats!

Check out this recipe

5

Teriyaki Pineapple Salmon Patties

These Teriyaki Pineapple Salmon Patties are an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner recipe ready in 15 minutes and full of healthy fats, protein and flavor. Easy to pair with a salad, or throw on a bun or sandwich, these teriyaki patties make for great meal prep dinners and leftovers, too!

Check out this recipe

6

The Best Salmon Recipe for Pregnancy

This easy salmon recipe is perfect for pregnancy when you don't feel like cooking. It takes 20 minutes and is healthy, flavorful and a great way to get the health benefits of salmon during pregnancy.

Check out this recipe

7

The Best BBQ Salmon Air Fryer Recipe

This BBQ salmon air fryer recipe is easy, quick and healthy. A family staple, this recipe pairs well with rice, potatoes, salads, grains and more!

Check out this recipe

Final Tips For Introducing Salmon to Babies and Kids

• Even if your child does not like it right away, continue offering salmon in different forms, like patties, bites, tacos, or pasta since repeated exposure can help increase acceptance.
• Salmon (especially canned salmon and frozen salmon) can be an easy, budget-friendly and nutritious family-friendly meal option.
• Avoid heavily salted, smoked, or spicy salmon for babies. And always make sure the salmon is cooked and never raw.
• While deciding on wild-caught vs. farm-raised salmon is less important, if you want a clear and clean source, I recommend Butcher Box or Safe Catch salmon, which is tested for mercury and heavy metals.