Protein Food Library
When can babies have prawns?
Can babies have prawns?
Babies can have prawns from about 6 months when they are fully cooked, peeled and finely chopped or minced. Prawns are a shellfish and one of the Top 9 allergens, so introduce them carefully. Whole prawns are firm and chewy, which can be a choking hazard.
How to serve prawns by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Cook prawns until pink and opaque throughout, remove the shell, tail and vein, then blend them finely into a smooth food like mashed potato, rice puree or vegetable puree. Offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Mince cooked prawns finely and stir them into lumpier foods like fork-mashed potato, soft rice or scrambled eggs. You can also blend them into soft prawn patties that squash easily between your fingers.
9–12 months
Offer finely chopped prawn pieces for pincer practice. Mix them into pasta or rice.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat bite-sized pieces of cooked prawn. Keep cutting prawns into small pieces.
Why it’s good
Prawns provide protein, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, zinc and some iron. They are low in mercury.
Safety notes
- Cook prawns until they are pink and opaque. Never serve raw prawns.
- Mince or finely chop prawns because whole prawns are firm and chewy.
- Remove shells, tails and veins.
- Avoid breaded, fried or heavily salted prawns.
Introduce prawn on its own, then keep it in
Prawns are a crustacean shellfish, one of the Top 9 allergens. Introduce a small amount, watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or wheezing, and keep shellfish in the diet once tolerated.
Prawns for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about prawns for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have prawns?
Babies can have prawns from about 6 months when fully cooked, peeled and minced. Prawns are a shellfish allergen, so start with a small amount.
Can babies have prawns?
Yes, babies can eat prawns if they are cooked well and chopped finely. Prawns are low in mercury.
Are prawns a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, prawns can be a choking hazard because whole prawns are firm and chewy. Mincing or finely chopping prawns lowers the risk.
Are prawns a common allergen?
Yes, prawns are a common allergen because they are shellfish, one of the Top 9 food allergens. Watch for signs of a reaction.
How do I serve prawns to a 6 month old?
To serve prawns to a 6 month old, cook until pink and opaque, peel, devein and blend them finely into mashed potato or rice puree. Offer it on a spoon. Minced prawns and soft prawn patties can follow at 7–8 months.
Are prawns and shrimp the same?
Prawns and shrimp are similar crustaceans, and the names are often used interchangeably. Both are shellfish allergens.
Can babies have frozen prawns?
Yes, babies can eat frozen prawns that are thawed and fully cooked. Check labels for added salt or preservatives.
Are prawns high in mercury?
No, prawns are low in mercury and are a safe seafood choice for babies. Serve prawns as part of one to two weekly seafood servings.
The takeaway
- Babies can have prawns from about 6 months when they are fully cooked, peeled and finely chopped or minced.
- Cook prawns until pink and opaque throughout, remove the shell, tail and vein, then blend them finely into a smooth food like mashed potato, rice puree or vegetable puree.
- Choking risk is medium. Shellfish 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
- 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.