No. 89 · Protein Passport food
When can babies have sardines?
Can babies eat sardines?
Babies can have sardines from about 6 months, once they are ready for solids. Sardines are a low-mercury, oily fish rich in omega-3 fats, and canned sardines have soft bones you can mash right in. Fish is a Top 9 allergen, so introduce sardines early and keep fish in the diet.
How to serve sardines by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Choose sardines canned in water or olive oil with no added salt. Drain, rinse, then mash them very well with a fork or blend them, soft bones and all, and mix into smooth avocado, potato or yogurt to offer on a spoon.
7–8 months
Fork-mash sardines more roughly into avocado, potato or rice for a lumpier texture, or spread a thin layer on a soft toast strip. Soft sardine cakes that fall apart easily also work for your baby to hold.
9–12 months
Offer small flakes of sardine for pincer practice, or mash sardines with egg and breadcrumbs into soft finger-length cakes. Sardines also stir well into pasta with tomato sauce.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat sardines on toast, in fish cakes or flaked into pasta and rice dishes. Keep choosing low-sodium cans and mash any larger bones.
Why it’s good
Sardines give babies omega-3 DHA for brain and eye development, protein, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. When the soft bones are eaten, sardines also provide calcium. Sardines contain iron in the easily absorbed heme form, plus zinc and selenium, which makes them one of the most nutrient-dense fish for babies.
Safety notes
- Pick sardines canned in water or olive oil with no added salt or low sodium, and rinse them to remove extra salt. Sardines in mustard, hot sauce or smoked sardines are saltier and best saved for later.
- Canned sardine bones are soft and safe once mashed with a fork. Fresh sardines have firm bones, so remove the bones and skin after cooking.
- Cook fresh sardines fully, to 145°F, until opaque and flaky. Canned sardines are already cooked.
- Sardines are low in mercury and are on the FDA's best choices list. They can be part of 1 to 2 fish meals a week.
- Refrigerate opened sardines in a covered container and use within 1 to 2 days. Throw out any can that is bulging, dented on the seam or leaking.
Introduce sardines on its own, then keep it in
Sardines are a fish, and fish is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introduce a small amount, watch for hives, vomiting, swelling, coughing or wheezing, and talk to your pediatrician first if your baby has severe eczema or another food allergy.
Sardines for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about sardines for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have sardines?
Babies can have sardines from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids. Canned sardines with no added salt are the easiest choice, mashed well with their soft bones.
Can babies eat sardines?
Yes, babies can eat sardines from 6 months. Sardines are low in mercury and rich in omega-3 fats, protein, vitamin D and iron, making them an excellent fish for babies.
Are sardines a choking hazard for babies?
Sardines are a low choking risk for babies when they are mashed or flaked. Canned sardine bones are soft enough to mash, but bones in fresh sardines should be removed, and you should always stay with your baby while they eat.
Are sardines a common allergen?
Yes, sardines are a common allergen because fish is one of the Top 9 allergens. Introduce sardines in a small amount and keep offering fish regularly if your baby tolerates it.
How do I serve sardines to a 6 month old?
To serve sardines to a 6 month old, drain and rinse low-sodium canned sardines, mash them very well with a fork, and mix them into smooth avocado, potato or yogurt. Offer it on a spoon. A thin spread of sardine on a soft toast strip can follow at 7–8 months.
Can babies eat the bones in canned sardines?
Yes, babies can eat the bones in canned sardines once they are mashed, because the canning process makes them very soft. Sardine bones are also a good source of calcium.
Are canned sardines too salty for babies?
Some canned sardines are high in sodium, but no-salt-added and low-sodium versions are widely available. Choose sardines in water or olive oil, rinse them before serving, and avoid sardines in salty sauces.
Are sardines high in mercury?
No, sardines are one of the lowest-mercury fish and are on the FDA's best choices list for children. Sardines can be served 1 to 2 times a week as part of a varied diet.
Are sardines in olive oil or water better for babies?
Sardines in olive oil and sardines in water are both fine for babies. Olive oil adds healthy fat and a richer taste, while water-packed sardines are a little lighter; just choose a no-salt-added can.
Are sardines good for babies?
Yes, sardines are one of the best fish for babies from about 6 months. They are low in mercury and rich in omega-3 DHA for brain and eye development, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and easily absorbed iron, plus calcium from the soft canned bones.
Are sardines good for toddlers?
Yes, sardines are a great food for toddlers 12 months and older, giving omega-3 fats, protein, iron and calcium in a low-mercury fish. Serve them on toast, in fish cakes or flaked into pasta, choose low-sodium cans, and aim for about 1 to 2 small fish servings a week.
The takeaway
- Babies can have sardines from about 6 months, once they are ready for solids.
- Choose sardines canned in water or olive oil with no added salt.
- 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.