Prep warning
Fish is one of the major allergens. Introduce catfish on its own and watch for signs of a reaction such as a rash, swelling, vomiting, or trouble breathing. Use only fully cooked, low-mercury fish, and seek emergency care for any breathing difficulty.
Choking notes
Bones are the main hazard with catfish. Run your fingers through every piece to remove them before serving, and keep the fish soft and flaked.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook the catfish through, never raw or seared, and remove every bone by hand. Flake or mash it, or blend it into a purée. Fish is one of the major allergens, so offer it on its own as a single new food.
Pea-size flakes with all bones checked by hand, or smooth.
9-12 months
Offer soft flaked catfish as a finger food, fully cooked and carefully deboned. Small flakes or thin strips are easy for little hands to pick up.
Small flakes or thin strips, fully deboned.
12-18 months
Serve flaked catfish as a soft table food alongside the family meal, always fully cooked and deboned. Catfish is a low-mercury fish, a good routine choice a couple of times a week.
Bite-size flakes, fully deboned.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Fish is a common allergen. Read Fish guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Catfish?
Most babies can try Catfish from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
Track Catfish and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.