No. 56 · Protein Passport food
When can babies have shrimp?
Can babies eat shrimp?
Babies can have shrimp from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids. Shrimp must be fully cooked and blended smooth at first, then finely minced or made into soft patties from 7–8 months, because whole shrimp are firm, bouncy and a real choking risk. Shellfish is a Top 9 allergen, so introduce shrimp on its own and keep offering it regularly once tolerated.
How to serve shrimp by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Cook peeled, deveined shrimp until opaque and pink all the way through, then blend it very finely or pulse it in a food processor and mix it into smooth mashed potato, rice puree or avocado. Offer it on a spoon.
7–8 months
Mince cooked shrimp finely and stir it into lumpier foods like fork-mashed potato, rice or avocado. Once shrimp is tolerated, you can also blend raw shrimp with mashed potato (or egg, if already introduced) and cook it through into soft patties about the size of two adult fingers that squash easily.
9–12 months
Offer cooked shrimp chopped into very small pieces, about the size of a pea, or mixed into fried rice, pasta or omelets. Shrimp patties and shrimp cakes cut into strips also work well for practicing grasp.
12 months +
Toddlers can have cooked shrimp in small bite-size pieces in tacos, stir-fries and pasta. Cut each shrimp in half lengthwise and then into smaller pieces rather than serving them whole, until your child is a confident chewer, usually around age 4.
Why it’s good
Shrimp gives babies lean protein, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, zinc, choline and some omega-3 fats, all of which support growth and brain development. Shrimp is one of the lowest-mercury seafoods, which makes it a good way to include seafood in a baby's diet. The cholesterol in shrimp is not a concern for healthy babies.
Safety notes
- Whole or large pieces of shrimp are firm, rubbery and about the size of a child's airway. Always mince, grind, or chop shrimp very small for babies.
- Cook shrimp until the flesh is opaque and pearly all the way through, or to 145 F. Never serve raw or undercooked shrimp, including ceviche, sushi or shrimp cocktail.
- Many frozen and processed shrimp are soaked in salt or sodium phosphate solutions. Check labels for added sodium and choose shrimp with only shrimp listed as the ingredient.
- Canned shrimp, breaded shrimp and restaurant shrimp are usually high in salt. Save fried and breaded shrimp for older toddlers as an occasional food.
- Remove the shell, tail and dark vein before cooking, and buy shrimp from a trusted source and keep it cold.
Introduce shrimp on its own, then keep it in
Shellfish is one of the Top 9 allergens, and shrimp allergy is one of the most common forms; it often lasts into adulthood. Offer a small amount on its own the first few times, early in the day, and watch for hives, vomiting, swelling, coughing or wheezing; if your baby has severe eczema or another food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before introducing shrimp.
Shrimp for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about shrimp for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have shrimp?
Babies can have shrimp from about 6 months, when they are ready for solids. Shrimp should be fully cooked and blended into a smooth puree at first, then finely minced or made into soft patties from 7–8 months.
Can babies eat shrimp?
Yes, babies can eat shrimp from 6 months when it is fully cooked and prepared to a safe texture. Shrimp is a low-mercury seafood and a good way to introduce shellfish as an allergen.
Is shrimp a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, shrimp is a choking hazard for babies because whole shrimp are firm, rubbery and close to the size of a child's airway. To lower the risk, mince or grind shrimp, mix it into soft foods, and keep cutting it into small pieces until your child chews confidently.
Is shrimp a common allergen?
Yes, shrimp is a common allergen because shellfish is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introduce shrimp on its own in a small amount, watch for reactions, and keep it in your baby's diet regularly once it is tolerated.
How do I serve shrimp to a 6 month old?
To serve shrimp to a 6 month old, cook peeled shrimp until opaque, then blend it very finely into a smooth food like mashed potato, avocado or rice puree and offer it on a spoon. Soft shrimp patties your baby can hold can follow at 7–8 months.
Is shrimp high in mercury?
No, shrimp is low in mercury and is on the FDA list of best choices for children. Babies and toddlers can have shrimp as part of their weekly seafood servings.
Is shrimp high in sodium?
Fresh shrimp has some natural sodium, but many frozen, canned and pre-cooked shrimp have added salt or sodium phosphates. Read labels and choose shrimp without added solutions to keep sodium lower for babies.
If my baby is allergic to shrimp, can they eat fish?
A shrimp allergy does not automatically mean a fish allergy, because shellfish and fish are different allergens. Children allergic to shrimp often react to crab and lobster too, so ask your allergist which seafoods are safe.
Can toddlers eat fried shrimp or popcorn shrimp?
Toddlers can have fried or popcorn shrimp occasionally after 12 months, cut into small pieces, but these are high in salt and fat. Baked or sauteed homemade shrimp is a better everyday choice.
Can babies eat frozen shrimp?
Babies can eat frozen shrimp once it is thawed and fully cooked. Frozen shrimp is often fresher than shrimp sold thawed at the counter, but check the label for added salt.
Is shrimp good for babies?
Yes, shrimp is a good food for babies from about 6 months when it is fully cooked and blended or finely minced. It is low in mercury and gives protein, vitamin B12, iodine, zinc and choline, and offering it early introduces shellfish, a Top 9 allergen; whole shrimp are a choking risk.
Is shrimp good for toddlers?
Yes, shrimp is a good food for toddlers 12 months and older, offering lean protein, zinc and iodine in a low-mercury seafood. Cut cooked shrimp into small pieces rather than serving it whole until about age 4, and choose shrimp without added salt solutions.
The takeaway
- Babies can have shrimp from about 6 months, as soon as they are ready for solids.
- Cook peeled, deveined shrimp until opaque and pink all the way through, then blend it very finely or pulse it in a food processor and mix it into smooth mashed potato, rice puree or avocado.
- Choking risk is high. 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
- 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.