Protein Food Library
When can babies have tuna?
Can babies have tuna?
Babies can have canned light or skipjack tuna from 6 months, in small amounts mixed into soft foods. Light tuna is a low-mercury choice, while albacore, yellowfin and especially bigeye tuna carry more mercury. Tuna is a fish, one of the Top 9 allergens, and is a low choking risk when flaked.
How to serve tuna by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Drain canned light tuna packed in water with no added salt, then mash it very finely or blend it with mashed avocado, plain yogurt, mashed potato or sweet potato until smooth. Offer it on a spoon or a pre-loaded spoon.
7–8 months
Flake canned light tuna and mix it into lumpier mashed potato or avocado, or spread a thin layer of tuna mash on a soft toast strip. Soft tuna cakes made with egg and mashed potato that squash easily also work.
9–12 months
Make soft tuna cakes with egg and mashed potato, or mix flaked tuna into pasta, rice or omelets in small pieces for pincer-grasp practice.
12 months +
Toddlers can have tuna salad made with yogurt or a little mayo on soft bread or crackers, or tuna in pasta and melts. Keep portions small and serve light tuna about once or twice a week.
Why it’s good
Tuna gives babies protein, omega-3 fats (DHA), vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, niacin and some iron. These nutrients support brain, eye and muscle development. Choosing light or skipjack tuna gives these benefits with less mercury.
Safety notes
- Choose canned light or skipjack tuna for babies. Albacore (white) tuna has about three times more mercury, and bigeye tuna is a high-mercury fish to avoid.
- Keep portions small. For young children, tuna is best as one of the fish servings in a week, alternated with other low-mercury fish like salmon, cod and sardines.
- Choose tuna packed in water with no added salt, or drain and rinse regular canned tuna to lower the sodium.
- Never serve raw or seared rare tuna, such as in sushi or poke, to babies and young children.
- Refrigerate opened tuna in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days.
Introduce tuna on its own, then keep it in
Tuna is a fish, and fish is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Offer a small amount early in the day, watch for hives, vomiting, swelling, coughing or wheezing, and keep fish in the diet regularly once tolerated. Talk to your pediatrician first if your baby has severe eczema or another food allergy.
Tuna for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about tuna for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have tuna?
Babies can have canned light or skipjack tuna from 6 months, in small amounts mixed into soft foods. Higher-mercury types like albacore and bigeye are best limited or avoided for young children.
Can babies have tuna?
Yes, babies can eat tuna when it is cooked or canned, flaked and served in small portions. Light tuna is the best choice because it is lower in mercury.
Is tuna a choking hazard for babies?
Tuna is a low choking risk for babies when it is flaked and mixed into soft foods. Fresh tuna can contain bones, so check carefully and always supervise meals.
Is tuna a common allergen?
Yes, tuna is a common allergen because fish is one of the Top 9 food allergens. Introduce a small amount and watch for signs of a reaction.
How do I serve tuna to a 6 month old?
To serve tuna to a 6 month old, drain canned light tuna in water, mash it very finely and mix it with mashed avocado, plain yogurt or mashed potato until smooth. Offer it on a spoon. Tuna mash spread thinly on a toast strip can follow at 7–8 months.
How often can babies have canned tuna?
Babies can have canned light tuna about once or twice a week as part of their fish servings, in small portions of 1 to 2 tablespoons. Rotate tuna with other low-mercury fish.
Is albacore tuna safe for babies?
Albacore tuna has more mercury than light tuna, so it is best saved for older children and served less often. Choose light or skipjack tuna for babies and toddlers.
Can babies have tuna packed in oil?
Babies can have tuna packed in olive oil, which adds healthy fat, but water-packed tuna is easier to find in low-sodium versions. Drain either type and check the label for added salt.
When can kids have tuna sandwiches?
Kids can have small tuna sandwiches after 12 months, made with light tuna on soft bread and cut into strips. Use plain yogurt or a little mayo and avoid thick, dry fillings.
The takeaway
- Babies can have canned light or skipjack tuna from 6 months, in small amounts mixed into soft foods.
- Drain canned light tuna packed in water with no added salt, then mash it very finely or blend it with mashed avocado, plain yogurt, mashed potato or sweet potato until smooth.
- 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.