Protein Food Library
When can babies have monkfish?
Can babies have monkfish?
Babies can have monkfish from about 6 months when it is fully cooked and blended into smooth foods, with finely shredded monkfish and soft fish patties from 7–8 months. Monkfish is a firm, meaty white fish that is low in mercury, but its dense texture can be chewy, so never serve chunks to new eaters. Monkfish is a fish allergen, so introduce it carefully.
How to serve monkfish by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Bake, steam or poach monkfish until it is opaque and cooked through, remove any membrane, then blend it with a little breast milk, formula or cooking liquid. Mix it into smooth mashed potato or avocado and offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Flake or shred cooked monkfish finely and mix it with mashed potato, avocado or yogurt for a lumpier texture. You can also form soft fish patties about the size of two adult fingers that squash easily between your fingers.
9–12 months
Offer small, soft shreds of monkfish for pincer-grasp practice, or mix flaked monkfish into pasta, rice or fish cakes. Check every piece for the tough membrane and any bits of cartilage.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat bite-sized pieces of tender monkfish in stews, curries and tacos. Keep pieces small and moist, since overcooked monkfish turns rubbery.
Why it’s good
Monkfish gives babies lean protein, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, selenium, phosphorus and niacin for growth and energy. Monkfish has some omega-3 fats, though less than oily fish like salmon. The FDA lists monkfish among the best choices for low mercury.
Safety notes
- Cook monkfish until it is opaque and flakes or shreds easily, reaching 145 F (63 C). Never serve raw or undercooked fish to babies.
- Monkfish is firm and can be chewy, especially when overcooked. Flake, shred or mash it for babies rather than serving chunks.
- Remove the thin gray membrane and check for the central cartilage before serving, as both are tough to chew.
- Monkfish liver is a delicacy in some cuisines but is very rich and can be higher in contaminants, so skip it for babies.
- Avoid breaded, fried and heavily salted monkfish dishes for babies. Season with lemon, herbs and unsalted butter instead.
Introduce monkfish on its own, then keep it in
Monkfish is a finned fish, one of the Top 9 allergens, so introduce a small amount and watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or wheezing. Babies allergic to one fish may react to others, and once fish is tolerated, keep it in the diet regularly.
Monkfish for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about monkfish for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have monkfish?
Babies can have monkfish from about 6 months, fully cooked and blended into a smooth puree, then finely flaked or shredded from about 7–8 months. Monkfish is low in mercury and a good fish for babies.
Can babies have monkfish?
Yes, babies can eat monkfish when it is cooked through and served in a soft, safe texture. Monkfish is a lean source of protein and vitamin B12.
Is monkfish a choking hazard for babies?
Monkfish can be a choking risk if served in chunks because it is firm and chewy, especially when overcooked. Flaking, shredding or mixing monkfish into moist foods lowers the risk.
Is monkfish a common allergen?
Yes, monkfish is a common allergen because it is a finned fish, one of the Top 9 allergens. Introduce monkfish in a small amount and watch for signs of a reaction.
How do I serve monkfish to a 6 month old?
To serve monkfish to a 6 month old, steam or bake it until fully cooked, then blend it and mix it into smooth mashed potato or avocado. Offer it on a spoon or pre-loaded spoon. Finely shredded monkfish and soft fish patties can follow at 7–8 months.
Is monkfish high in mercury?
No, monkfish is low in mercury and is on the FDA's list of best choices for children. Babies and toddlers can have low-mercury fish like monkfish a couple of times a week in small portions.
Why is monkfish called poor man's lobster?
Monkfish is called poor man's lobster because its firm, sweet tail meat has a texture similar to lobster. Monkfish is a finned fish, not shellfish, so it counts as a fish allergen rather than a shellfish allergen.
How much fish should a baby eat?
Babies and toddlers can eat about 1 ounce of low-mercury fish, like monkfish, around twice a week. Rotating different fish helps add variety and nutrients.
Can I use frozen monkfish for babies?
Yes, frozen monkfish is a good option for babies. Thaw it in the fridge, cook it until opaque and flaky, and avoid refreezing cooked fish.
The takeaway
- Babies can have monkfish from about 6 months when it is fully cooked and blended into smooth foods, with finely shredded monkfish and soft fish patties from 7–8 months.
- Bake, steam or poach monkfish until it is opaque and cooked through, remove any membrane, then blend it with a little breast milk, formula or cooking liquid.
- Choking risk is medium. Fish is one of the Top 9 allergens: offer a small amount first, watch for a reaction, then keep it in the diet regularly.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Advice about Eating Fish U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.