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Feed baby salmon


Salmon for Babies - MJ and Hungryman

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Introduce salmon to your baby with confidence with these cooking tips, serving suggestions, and easy recipes! Everything you need to know all in one place!

Jump to:
  • When to introduce salmon
  • Is salmon safe for babies?
  • Introducing Food Allergens to Baby
  • Health Benefits
  • Buying the best salmon
  • How to cook salmon for babies
  • Top Cooking Methods
  • Salmon for Baby Led Weaning
  • Storage Suggestions
  • 3 Month Meal Plan for Baby Led Feeding
  • Salmon Recipes for Baby
  • How to Cook Salmon for Babies (3 ways)

When to introduce salmon

Salmon can be offered to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

If you’re unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!

Is salmon safe for babies?

As long as it is cooked properly and served in an age-appropriate way, as I show you here, it is safe. It also contains lower amounts of sodium compared to other fish.

Additionally, it is lower in mercury, making it a great option for pregnant moms and young children. That's because mercury can negatively impact the fetus and a child's brain and nervous system.

While it is a safer option, instead of eating salmon all the time, I encourage you to rotate with other low-mercury fish, like halibut and sardines. You will be able to incorporate more variety and help meet your baby and family's nutritional needs.

Introducing Food Allergens to Baby

Salmon as well as other finned fish are one of the top allergens, and if you were told to wait until around 2-3 years of age to introduce them, this is outdated advice! 

The current recommendation is to introduce highly allergenic foods EARLY and OFTEN. By doing so, you can dramatically reduce the risk or actually help prevent the development of food allergies.

When first introducing, start with a small amount. Be sure it's the only new food on your baby's plate so that if there is an allergic reaction, you will know what caused it.

Serve it at home early in the day so you can monitor your baby for any reaction(s) and get medical help if necessary.

Health Benefits

Salmon is a great source of many critical nutrients that babies need, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D (much higher in wild-caught). It is a particularly excellent source of B12 , which is necessary for producing red blood cells, and omega-3 fatty acids, an essential  nutrient for proper brain development.

Canned salmon is also a great source of calcium due to the edible bones.

Buying the best salmon

I don’t know about you, but with so many choices out there, buying salmon can feel overwhelming! My goal here is to help you make the best decision according to your needs and values.

Wild-caught vs. Farmed Salmon

Wild-caught:

  • Means it caught in its natural environment
  • Contains less toxins
  • Has a deeper red color
  • Has a higher ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids. While both are essential, we tend to consume a lot more omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3s

Farmed salmon (may be labeled as Atlantic salmon) contains pollutants, antibiotics, pesticides, and toxins from the fish farms. And depending on its feed, may contain lower amounts of nutrients than wild-caught salmon.

The "downside" to wild-caught salmon is that just like with shrimp, it is overfished. If sustainability is your concern, sockeye, coho, and king salmon from Alaska are great choices, according to the Marine Stewardship Council.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch site is a wonderful resource.

Wild-caught salmon is also more expensive, so if you want to enjoy it regularly and you are on a budget, this may pose a sustainability concern of a different nature.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Unless you are getting the fresh catch of the day from a fish mart, chances are what you find sold as "fresh" salmon at the supermarket isn't so fresh. Just like with shrimp and most other seafood, it was previously frozen and thawed for sale.

I personally love frozen salmon for the convenience! Also, it is flash frozen right after being caught to preserve freshness and nutrition. I purchase ours from Costco. Their wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon is amazing and individually packaged.

Fresh vs. Canned

Canned salmon is a wonderful option. It's convenient and nutritious. In fact, according to the USDA study, canned pink and red salmon was found to have higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than the fresh. It also delivers a powerful punch of calcium.

Just be sure to look for "no salt added" or "low sodium" and BPA free lining.

How to cook salmon for babies

What is the best way to thaw frozen salmon?

Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the simplest and safest method.

If you forget, then first remove the fish from its packaging and place into a resealable plastic bag. Then submerge in a large bowl of cold water. Check after 30 minutes, being sure to change out the water every 10 minutes or so to ensure that the temperature remains below 40° at all times.

Should I wash the salmon first?

You don't need to wash salmon before cooking. In fact, USDA recommends against it as bacteria in the juices can spread to other foods and surfaces. The bacteria will get killed during the cooking process.

Should I leave the skin on or off?

On! It helps to hold the shape, allow for more even cooking, and retain juices. You can easily separate the skin once cooked.

How can I tell if the salmon is done?

Cooking time will depend on the fish’s thickness and the cooking method. Wild-caught salmon also has less fat than farmed salmon so it will take less time to cook.

The best advice I can offer is to use a thermometer. Aim for 140-145°F and be sure to pull the salmon FAST when it reaches temperature as it will continue to cook as it rests. 

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and the flesh should appear opaque.

What is the white substance on top of my baked salmon?

Don't be alarmed if you see this. It’s due to the protein found in salmon called albumin, which solidifies when heated.

To minimize this white layer, bring the fillets to room temperature before cooking and avoid cooking at high temperature.

Top Cooking Methods

Regardless of which method you choose,

  • Let the salmon come to room temperature. Take your fillets out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes prior to cooking. Don't let them sit out for too long!
  • Be sure to check for any white pin bones running down the center of the fillet.
  • Cook until salmon reaches the internal temperature of 140-145°F.

Steamed

Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add salmon, cover, reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-6 minutes.

Poached

Here are three ways you can poach salmon:

  1. This method requires minimal prep work.
    • Place salmon in a deep skillet skin side down. Add water or broth so it barely covers the fish. Bring to a boil and once liquid starts bubbling, turn off the heat.
    • Cover the skillet and let it sit for 10 minutes or so.
  2. If you want to infuse more flavor into your salmon,
    • Add cold water or stock and aromatics of choice (optional), such as dill, onion, celery, to a deep skillet. While I haven't tried it yet, I've heard that poaching in milk is good too.
    • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
    • Add the salmon skin-side down and cover. Cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
  3. You can also poach in a sauce alongside other ingredients, like this poached cod. Simply substitute with salmon. It's SO flavorful!

Baked (Steam roasted)

Line a baking pan with parchment paper as stuck-on salmon skin is hard to scrape off. Place salmon on top and season with melted butter or oil and seasoning(s) of choice. I also like to add some lemon wedges.

Cover the pan and bake for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness.

Salmon Cakes

You can use fresh or canned salmon for this. It's such an easy and delicious way to serve salmon to your baby along with vegetables and spices! These cakes also freeze well.

Salmon for Baby Led Weaning

First be sure to carefully inspect the salmon for tiny bones. Even when salmon is labeled as boneless, it is possible to have tiny bones in it.

Once you've cooked the salmon using any of the methods mentioned, here's how to serve it to your baby.

6+ Months Old

  • Offer finger-shaped, 1-2 adult finger-width pieces.
  • Flake into tiny pieces and add to other foods, such as:
    • Lentils
    • Homemade baby oatmeal
    • Yogurt
    • Scrambled eggs
    • Vegetable omelette
    • Vegetable French toast
  • Salmon cake - offer whole
  • Salmon quiche

9+ Months Old

By 8-9 months of age, your baby should develop their pincer grasp and be able to pick up smaller pieces. In addition to all the suggestions above, you can start offering bite-sized pieces.

Storage Suggestions

For uncooked salmon:

  • Use fresh salmon within one to two days upon purchase. If the fish is packaged, refer to the packaging for the ‘best before’ date.
  • Store unused fresh salmon in a vacuum or airtight freezer bag in the freezer for up to three months.
  • Store canned salmon unopened at room temperature for up to three years. Check the ‘best before’ date when purchasing the can.
  • Once the can is open, remove the salmon from the can, store it in an airtight container, and use it within three to four days.

Cooked salmon

  • Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze, make sure salmon is completely cooled. Wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap and place in freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months.

3 Month Meal Plan for Baby Led Feeding

Are you:

  • getting ready to start or at the beginning stage of introducing solid solids and feeling overwhelmed?
  • stuck on purees and having a really difficult time transitioning to table food?
  • or tired of serving the same foods on repeat and want to offer more variety of foods to your older baby or toddler?

If so, my 3 MONTH Baby Led Feeding Journey Program may be just what you are looking for!

It's a complete roadmap that would show you through daily videos and photos of what foods and how to serve them to your baby AND the rest of the family at the same time. Everything you need to know all in one place! 

Do you want to minimize picky eating and set a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits?

Check out this 3 month mastering self-feeding program! It’s the closest thing to me being in your kitchen

Salmon Recipes for Baby

Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

How to Cook Salmon for Babies (3 ways)

Introduce salmon to your baby with confidence with these cooking tips, serving suggestions, and easy recipes! Everything you need to know all in one place!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

  • ▢

    Steamer

  • ▢ 2 (8-10 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
  • ▢ Oil or butter (for baked)
  • ▢ Optional: seasonings, lemon wedges, aromamtics
Steamed

  • Place water in a pot, add steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Add salmon, cover, reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-6 minutes.

Poached (two ways)

  • 1. Place salmon in a deep skillet skin side down. Add water or broth so it barely covers the fish. Bring to a boil and once liquid starts bubbling, turn off the heat.Cover the skillet and let it sit for 10 minutes or so.

  • 2. If you want to infuse more flavor into your salmon - add cold water or stock and aromatics of choice, such as dill, onion, celery, to a deep skillet .Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Add the salmon skin-side down and cover. Cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.

Baked (steam roasted)
  • Cooking time will depend on the fish’s thickness and the cooking method. Wild-caught salmon also has less fat than farmed salmon so it will take less time to cook. Be sure to read the "How to cook salmon for babies" section for more details!
  • Storage:
    • Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • To freeze, make sure salmon is completely cooled. Wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap and place in freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months.

Calories: 81kcal | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 25mg

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

Can Babies Eat Salmon? When Can They Eat It? – Alaskan Salmon Co.

Maybe salmon is one of your favorite foods. Maybe you and your family eat salmon all the time. But, recently, you’ve welcomed a new tiny member of the family. If you have a new baby in the household, you may be wondering — can babies have salmon? 

Here’s everything you need to know about how to cook salmon for babies.

When Can Babies Eat Salmon? 

Of course, when asking if babies can eat salmon, it’s often a matter of when can babies have salmon instead. When feeding your baby anything, there’s typically a certain age when it’s safe to introduce a new food to their diet, without risking illness, choking or food allergies.  

When it comes to salmon, according to expert child nutritionists and dietitians, babies can safely enjoy this healthful fish as soon as they’re eating solid foods. This is typically around the six-month mark, so long as your baby is showing interest in eating, double their birth weight and is able to hold their head upright on their own. 

Can babies eat raw salmon?

No, you should not give raw salmon to your baby. At this age, salmon for babies should always be thoroughly cooked. 

The Food and Drug Administration recommends not feeding any raw seafood to any “high-risk” groups, which includes infants. Children typically move out of the high-risk group once their immune systems are more thoroughly developed, usually around age 5 or 6.

Should I worry about my baby being allergic to salmon? 

It is unlikely for your baby to have an allergic reaction to salmon. The experts note that finned fish allergies like a salmon allergy are less common than shellfish allergies. Many finned fish allergies don’t appear until adulthood. This makes an allergic reaction in your baby unlikely. That being said, even if your salmon is thoroughly cooked before you feed it to your baby, there’s still the small risk of an allergic reaction, just like when you feed any brand-new food to your infant.

Still, when introducing new food to an infant, it’s always a good idea to only introduce one new food at a time, so you can easily identify a culprit if an allergic reaction occurs. Additionally, know the signs of a food allergy, such as hives, itching, mouth swelling, wheezing and/or gastrointestinal distress, occurring within a few hours of eating. If an allergic reaction occurs, call your pediatrician right away. 

Why Make Salmon for Baby? 

If you only feed your baby thoroughly cooked salmon and you can confirm that they’re not allergic to the fish, there are a multitude of reasons to make salmon a regular part of your baby’s diet. The benefits of salmon for babies are vast.

Salmon is filled with Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) to help your baby’s developing brain and eyes. The Vitamin D content can aid calcium absorption and bone development. The protein content will help your baby meet their daily requirements. Salmon is also a good source of iron and zinc. 

Choosing the Best Salmon for Baby 

That said, not all salmon is a good fit for your baby. 

Purchasing high-quality, fresh salmon — like wild-caught Alaskan salmon — is preferable. Farmed or canned, preserved salmon can come packed with chemicals that you don’t want to feed your baby. For example, canned fish often contains BPA, a packaging lining that’s harmful for both you and your baby. Even the sodium content in some packaged and processed salmon can be a harmful addition to your baby’s diet.

Making Your Own Salmon Baby Food

Looking for some salmon recipes for baby? Feeding your baby fresh, cooked salmon is easy and, often, it’s convenient to prepare some plain salmon for your baby at the same time that you cook a more complicated salmon dish for the rest of your family.

If you’re serving your baby salmon when they’re 6 to 12 months old, we recommend offering small pieces of fish about the size of a finger or flaked. You can serve it plain or mixed into other foods that you know your baby loves, such as yogurt, mashed avocado or mashed potatoes. Once your baby is older, one to two years old, you can serve the salmon in larger pieces or as part of more complicated dishes. 

Simple salmon recipes that an older baby might enjoy (and that you might like, too!) include a simple salmon cake made from flaked salmon, mashed sweet potato and enough bread crumbs and egg needed to form a patty, which you can then bake or pan-fry. You can also combine flaked salmon with cooked rice, peas, carrots and eggs, to create a simple stir-fry. A salmon egg casserole is also an option, combining eggs, flaked salmon and whatever veggies you have on hand into a greased casserole dish, baking until done. 

If you want to specifically make salmon baby food that has the consistency and texture of traditional, jarred baby food, you can follow this recipe from Vitamix, which shows you how to make a smooth puree using sweet potatoes, salmon and the milk of your choice.  

Photo Credit: Vitamix

Do note that just because you and the rest of the family love salmon, that doesn’t necessarily mean your new tot will be quick to jump on board with this new food. Salmon can be difficult to get accustomed to at first — the texture, smell and taste are all new to your baby. Introduce the food slowly, portion it to make it easier to grab, and consider combining it with favorite foods so that they’re more likely to enjoy it without hesitation. 

Give Your Baby the Very Best Salmon

Before you feed any salmon to your baby, it’s important to verify you're only feeding your child — and your entire family — only the highest-quality, healthiest ingredients. Alaskan Salmon Company offers wild-caught, Copper River salmon flash-frozen at peak freshness, so you can be assured your baby is only getting the best. Better yet, we deliver this salmon straight to your door, so there’s less fuss to worry about. After all, new parents have enough on their plates.  

Check our current availability here. 

 

References:

  • https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-my-baby-eat-salmon-5214729
  • https://www.bundoo.com/articles/when-can-your-child-eat-sushi-and-raw-fish/
  • https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-feeding/when-can-babies-eat-salmon#allergies
  • https://solidstarts.com/foods/salmon/

What kind of fish to start the first feeding with

Many parents are afraid to introduce fish into their child's diet, given the fact that fish is one of the most common food allergies. Although fish may not seem like the best choice for baby food, certain types of fish, such as salmon and sardines, rich in omega-3 fats, have a positive effect on the development of a child's brain.

In this article, we will talk about the nutrients contained in salmon, at what age can you give red fish to children, and why it is a very good fish for the first feeding. nine0008


Is it safe for children to eat salmon?

Salmon is a rich source of important nutrients such as vitamin D, zinc, iron, protein and can be included in a child's diet provided the child is not allergic to it and eats it in moderation. And also after the child grows up a little.

At what age can you give salmon to a child?

Salmon or any other fish is not the best first food for a baby, so include it in your baby's diet when he is a little older, say at 7-8 months. nine0003

Also, don't forget to feed your child home-cooked salmon. Fish must be cooked properly and given to the child in small quantities. At the first injection, look for signs of allergy. Do not add any other new type of food with this fish. If you notice anything unusual, consult your pediatrician and stop giving fish to your child.


Why is salmon good for a child?

The nutrients found in salmon are very beneficial for a child's brain health. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for children include a positive effect on brain development, the functioning of the nervous system, and the child's vision. Eating seafood early can help develop a taste for it. Including salmon in a child's diet can also help improve sleep. nine0003


Can salmon cause choking in babies?

Salmon is a very soft fish, practically boneless. Unlike shellfish, which can become a choking hazard for both children and adults, salmon does not pose such a danger.

Be sure to run your hands over the fish to remove any bones before cooking baby salmon.


Can children be allergic to red fish ?

Although a very small percentage of people are allergic to salmon, salmon, like other types of fish, is a food allergen. As with other foods, be sure to give your child a sample of fish to test for allergies. Once you see that there are no adverse reactions, you can start increasing the amount of salmon in your child's diet.

Some family members may be allergic to seafood, in which case it is recommended to consult a doctor and an allergist to make sure your child is safe. nine0003


How feed a child fish from 6 months to 2 years
9000 time to introduce salmon into your child's diet. Make sure all bones are removed and the fish is fully cooked. A piece the size of two adult little fingers is a good portion of salmon for feeding a baby. This works because the meat is very tender and the small flakes are easy for a child to hold. nine0003
1 to 1.5 years

Great time to add canned salmon. Simply remove the fish from the jar, rinse off any excess salt, and then add it to a salad containing avocado, olive oil, or other ingredients of your choice. This is a one year old recipe.

1.5 to 2 years

Salmon cakes are great dating food at this stage. Make sure you let your child feel the texture and shape of the fish. This will help him get used to the food he eats. nine0003


Useful recipes from salmon for child

1. Purex from salmon, broccoli and spinach 9000 . chopped shallots.
  • 225 g potatoes, diced
  • 225 g salmon
  • 100 g broccoli
  • 30 g fresh spinach
  • 75 ml milk
  • 300 ml water
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

    • Preparation:

    1. Melt the butter in a pan and fry the shallots and potatoes for a couple of minutes.
    2. Add salmon and broccoli pieces and cook for 10 more minutes.
    3. Add spinach and cook 2-3 more minutes.
    4. Stir in the milk and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Then turn off the stove and let the mixture cool down.
    5. Stir the mixture until smooth and puree.

    This recipe is ideal for babies aged 6 to 9 months.

    2. Risotto with salmon

    Ingredients:

    • ¼ bulbs
    • 1 Cam Cam Camer
    • 150 Slosy fillet
    • 1 tsp. vegetable oil
    • 20 g peas
    • 25 g white rice

    Preparation:

    1. Preheat oven to 180 °C. nine0142
    2. Wrap the salmon in foil and place in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
    3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion and garlic.
    4. Add rice and peas.
    5. Add water, cover and simmer until the rice is fully cooked. This will take about 10 minutes.
    6. When the rice is ready, add the salmon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat.

    This recipe is ideal for babies 10 to 12 months old. nine0008

    Salmon is very nutritious and can be included in a child's diet as soon as he starts eating solid food. Check with your pediatrician before including salmon in your child's diet. As soon as he gives the go-ahead, try the recipes above and let your child enjoy this delicious fish!

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    Fish in a child's diet: what scientists say

    Modern pediatricians recommend starting to introduce your baby to fish around nine to ten months. This must be done, among other things, because it is useful for a child to receive a small amount of products from a number of the most common allergens (this list also includes eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, milk), so that the body can form an adequate “opinion” about him.

    In 2008, a study was published stating that late introduction of an allergen into the diet does nothing to prevent the risks of developing atopic dermatitis and eczema. Moreover, Omega-3 from fish is just good for children prone to atopy. nine0003

    Experts recommend starting with white fish, and by the age of one, include red fish in the child's menu. When choosing fish for a child, it is worth remembering the mercury content in meat - and do not abuse tuna, halibut, pike.

    Pediatrician and father of eight William Sears recommends giving children wild salmon at 60 grams twice a week while the child is breastfed or bottle fed and 170 grams after the baby is fully fed. At the same time, the recommendations of the US Food and Drug Administration say that 60 grams once or twice a week for a child under the age of seven is enough. Such norms are just dictated by the danger of mercury, which is contained in almost all modern wild fish. nine0003

    Information about how often fish should be given to a child also varies. Some pediatricians, like Sears, believe that fish should be on the table twice a week. But Swedish scientists found that there are so many benefits in fish that its positive effect on the body lasts for a long time - they considered that it is enough to eat fish dishes a couple of times a month to satisfy the body's needs for polyunsaturated fatty acids. So if the child is not growing up a big fan of fish, you can not be zealous and do not force him to eat salmon and hake often. nine0003

    Why are polyunsaturated fatty acids so good? Actually, a lot. In the mid-2000s, studies were conducted that proved the positive impact of these acids on the development of children - it turns out that Omega-3 increases the cognitive abilities of toddlers. This was shown in a study in which young mothers who consumed Omega-3 during pregnancy and lactation took part - their children had a high cognitive ability by the age of four, due to the intake of useful acid in their bodies.

    Learn more