Protein Food Library
When can babies have mackerel?
Can babies eat mackerel?
Babies can have North Atlantic mackerel from about 6 months when it is fully cooked and all bones are removed. Atlantic mackerel is low in mercury and rich in omega-3 fats, but king mackerel is high in mercury and should be avoided. Fish is a common allergen, so start with a small amount.
How to serve mackerel by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Bake, steam or pan-cook fresh Atlantic mackerel until it flakes, remove all skin and bones, and mash it smooth into potato, rice porridge or a vegetable puree. Serve it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Flake boneless mackerel finely into lumpier mashed potato or rice. You can also make soft fish cakes about the size of an adult finger that fall apart easily when pressed.
9–12 months
Offer small, boneless flakes for pincer practice, or bite-size pieces of fish cakes. Mix flakes with a little plain yogurt to soften the strong flavor.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat mackerel on toast, in pasta, rice bowls or fish cakes. Low-sodium canned mackerel in water or olive oil is a quick option.
Why it’s good
North Atlantic mackerel gives babies DHA and EPA omega-3 fats, which support brain and eye development, plus protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and some iron. It is one of the richest fish sources of omega-3s. The FDA lists Atlantic mackerel among its best choices for low mercury fish.
Safety notes
- Avoid king mackerel, which is high in mercury. Choose Atlantic mackerel (also called Boston or North Atlantic mackerel) or Atlantic chub mackerel.
- Cook mackerel to an internal temperature of 145F (63C), and check carefully for bones, including the fine pin bones.
- Smoked and salted mackerel are very high in sodium. Save them for occasional toddler meals, and do not serve cold-smoked mackerel uncooked.
- Mackerel spoils quickly. Keep it cold and cook it fresh, since poorly stored mackerel can cause scombroid poisoning (histamine reaction).
- Canned mackerel can be salty. Pick low-sodium cans packed in water or olive oil, and remove any larger bones.
Introduce north Atlantic mackerel on its own, then keep it in
Mackerel is a fish, and fish is one of the Top 9 allergens. Introduce a small amount, watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or breathing changes, and keep fish in the diet regularly once your baby tolerates it.
Mackerel for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about mackerel for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have mackerel?
Babies can have North Atlantic mackerel from about 6 months when it is fully cooked and boneless. Atlantic mackerel is a low mercury fish packed with omega-3 fats.
Can babies eat mackerel?
Yes, babies can eat Atlantic mackerel that is cooked and flaked with all bones removed. Babies should not eat king mackerel because it is high in mercury.
Is mackerel a choking hazard for babies?
Mackerel is a low choking risk for babies when cooked soft and boneless. Small bones are the main hazard, so run your fingers through every flake before serving.
Is mackerel a common allergen?
Yes, mackerel is a common allergen because fish is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introduce mackerel in a small amount and watch for any signs of a reaction.
How do I serve mackerel to a 6 month old?
To serve mackerel to a 6 month old, cook a fresh Atlantic mackerel fillet until it flakes, remove skin and bones, and mash it smooth into potato or rice on a spoon. Soft finger-length fish cakes can follow at 7–8 months.
Is mackerel high in mercury?
Atlantic mackerel is low in mercury; babies and toddlers can have about 2 small (1 oz) servings of best-choice fish a week. King mackerel is high in mercury and should be avoided for babies, children and pregnant people.
Can babies eat canned mackerel?
Babies can eat canned mackerel if you choose a low-sodium can and check for bones. Canned Atlantic or chub mackerel is a budget-friendly source of omega-3s.
Can babies eat smoked mackerel?
Smoked mackerel is very salty, so it is best avoided for babies under 12 months. Toddlers can have a small amount of hot-smoked mackerel occasionally, mixed with potato or yogurt.
How often can babies eat mackerel?
Babies and toddlers can eat about 2 small servings a week of low-mercury fish like Atlantic mackerel, rotated with salmon, sardines and cod. Rotate mackerel with other low mercury fish such as salmon, sardines and cod.
The takeaway
- Babies can have North Atlantic mackerel from about 6 months when it is fully cooked and all bones are removed.
- Bake, steam or pan-cook fresh Atlantic mackerel until it flakes, remove all skin and bones, and mash it smooth into potato, rice porridge or a vegetable puree.
- Choking risk is low. 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
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Advice about Eating Fish U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Iron Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 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.