Protein Food Library
When can babies have plaice?
Can babies have plaice?
Babies can have plaice from about 6 months when it is fully cooked, flaked and checked carefully for bones. Plaice is a mild, soft, low-mercury flatfish, which makes it a good first fish. Fish is one of the Top 9 common allergens, so introduce plaice in a small amount.
How to serve plaice by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Bake, steam or poach plaice until it flakes easily, then remove the skin and every bone. Mash or blend the fish smooth with potato, rice or a little cooking liquid, and offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Offer soft boneless flakes of plaice in a pile your baby can grab, or fork-mash them into potato or rice for a lumpier texture. Soft fish cakes that squash easily also work well.
9–12 months
Offer small flakes of plaice for pincer practice, or make soft fish cakes with mashed potato and egg. Keep checking for bones as you flake.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat plaice fillets cut into bite-size pieces, in fish pie, or as homemade breaded fish fingers. Skip heavy salt and choose baked over deep-fried.
Why it’s good
Plaice gives babies lean protein, vitamin B12, selenium, iodine and phosphorus, plus some omega-3 fats. Plaice is low in mercury, so it can be part of the 1 to 2 child-size servings of low-mercury fish a week recommended for young children..
Safety notes
- Plaice has fine bones. Flake every piece with your fingers and remove all bones before serving.
- Cook plaice until it is opaque and flakes easily. Never serve raw or undercooked fish to babies.
- Store-bought breaded or battered plaice can be salty and fried. Bake homemade breaded fish instead.
- Plaice is low in mercury and a good choice for babies; avoid high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish and king mackerel.
- Keep fresh fish cold and cook it within a day or two of buying, or freeze it.
Introduce plaice on its own, then keep it in
Fish is one of the Top 9 allergens. Offer a small amount of plaice first and watch for hives, vomiting, swelling, coughing or wheezing, and once fish is tolerated, keep it in your baby's diet regularly.
Plaice for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about plaice for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have plaice?
Babies can have plaice from about 6 months, as soon as they start solids. Plaice should be fully cooked, flaked and checked carefully for bones.
Can babies have plaice?
Yes, babies can eat plaice, and its mild flavor and soft texture make it a great first fish. Plaice is also low in mercury.
Is plaice a choking hazard for babies?
Plaice is a low choking risk because it is soft and flaky. The fine bones in plaice can be a hazard, so remove every bone before serving.
Is plaice a common allergen?
Yes, plaice is a common allergen because fish is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introduce plaice in a small amount and watch for signs of a reaction.
How do I serve plaice to a 6 month old?
To serve plaice to a 6 month old, bake or steam a fillet until it flakes, remove the skin and bones, and mash or blend it smooth with potato, then offer it on a spoon once it has cooled. Soft flakes your baby can grab can follow at 7–8 months.
Is plaice high in mercury?
No, plaice is low in mercury. Plaice is a safe choice for babies and can be one of the 1 to 2 child-size fish servings a week.
Can babies have breaded plaice or fish and chips?
Store-bought breaded plaice and fish and chips are often salty and fried, so save them for occasional toddler meals. Homemade baked breaded plaice is a better option for babies.
Can I use frozen plaice for my baby?
Yes, frozen plaice is fine for babies and is often deboned. Thaw it in the fridge, cook it fully and still check each flake for bones.
The takeaway
- Babies can have plaice from about 6 months when it is fully cooked, flaked and checked carefully for bones.
- Bake, steam or poach plaice until it flakes easily, then remove the skin and every bone.
- 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
- 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.