How to serve shrimp by age
6–8 months
Cook fully, then mince finely and form into soft shrimp patties baby can grip, or stir into mashed veg. Never whole or in chunks.
9–11 months
Chop finely into tiny bits stirred into rice, pasta, or scrambled egg, or keep serving soft minced patties cut into strips.
12–24 months
Cut each shrimp lengthwise, then into small bite-size pieces, or keep it minced in dumplings and patties. It's springy, so keep pieces small.
Needs special prep: high
choking risk in its raw or whole form
Mince or finely chop it and mix into soft foods; never serve whole shrimp.
Whole shrimp is firm, springy, and round when curled, so it is hard for new eaters to chew.
Allergen notes
Shrimp is a shellfish, a common allergen. For a first taste, offer a little fully cooked shrimp, minced finely and mixed into a soft food. If there's no reaction, keep shrimp in your baby's diet regularly.
Nutrition
- Contains protein, selenium and vitamin B12.
- Contains some zinc.
Preparation tips
- Pulse raw shrimp with a little egg or mashed potato, shape small patties, and pan-cook until opaque through.
- Check frozen shrimp labels: many are soaked in salt solution. Pick ones with nothing added.
Sources
- FDA / EPA · Advice about Eating Fish
- AAAAI / ACAAI / CSACI · A Consensus Approach to the Primary Prevention of Food Allergy Through Nutrition (2021)
- American Academy of Pediatrics · HealthyChildren.org: Starting Solid Foods
- CDC · Infant and Toddler Nutrition: Choking Hazards
- NHS Best Start in Life · Weaning
This is general information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer and methodology.
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