Prep warning
Use Atlantic mackerel, which is low in mercury. Avoid king mackerel, which is high in mercury and not suitable for children. Cook the fish through, never raw, and remove all bones. Fish is one of the common allergens, so offer it on its own the first few times.
Choking notes
The main concern with mackerel is bones, not texture. Remove every bone by hand and flake the cooked fish into small, soft pieces.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook Atlantic mackerel through, remove every bone, and flake it small or mash it into a purée. As one of the common allergens, offer it by itself the first few times and watch for a reaction.
Small flakes or smooth purée. All bones removed.
9-12 months
Offer flaked, fully cooked Atlantic mackerel as a soft finger food in small flakes or thin strips. Keep it moist and double-check for bones each time.
Small flakes or thin strips. Keep checking for bones.
12-18 months
Serve flaked, fully cooked Atlantic mackerel in family dishes such as fish cakes or mixed with soft vegetables and grains. Bite-size flakes work well, and bones still come out by hand.
Bite-size flakes. Bones still removed by hand.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Fish is a common allergen. Read Fish guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Mackerel?
Most babies can try Mackerel 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 Mackerel and every first food in nappi
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