How to Cook Salmon for a Baby

In addition to being rich in protein, which is a nutrient that growing babies need, salmon also supplies omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal eye and brain development. At about 6 months of age, your baby is ready to eat solid foods, in addition to her usual breast milk or formula. Of course, always ask your baby's pediatrician before adding new foods, including salmon, to her diet. Once you get approval, cook the salmon properly to reduce your little one's risk of food-borne illness.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Place the salmon, skin side down, in the baking dish.

Sprinkle the salmon with a small amount of herbs and spices. Because babies tend to have more sensitive taste buds than adults, don't go crazy with the herbs and spices. Skip spicy seasonings, such as cayenne powder.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place the salmon in the preheated oven. Bake the fish for 15 minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.

Remove the cooked salmon from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

Shred the salmon with your fingers or with two forks so it is in tiny pieces, removing any bones you find. Break up chunks of fish that are too large, because they pose a choking hazard to babies.

Tips

A younger baby might need you to feed him while an older baby might prefer to pick up the pieces of fish and feed himself.

If your baby has a hard time picking up the tiny pieces of shredded salmon, place the cooked fish in a blender or food processor and pulse it a few times to create a paste. Add breast milk, formula or water to help thin the mixture, if necessary, and feed it to your baby with a spoon. This way you can introduce your baby to the taste of salmon even if he hasn't caught onto the idea of picking up the food and feeding himself.

Combine shredded salmon with yogurt or vegetable baby food purees and serve it to your baby.

Salmon is a low-mercury fish, making it safe for your baby to eat up to two or three times per week, according to BabyCenter.

Warnings

Carefully inspect the salmon for bones before serving it to your baby, using your fingers if necessary. The small fish bones can pose a choking hazard.
Even when salmon is labeled as boneless, tiny bones may be present. To ensure your child's safety, check for bones no matter what the label says.

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