Prep warning
Cook scallop thoroughly; never serve it raw or seared to babies. Shellfish is one of the major allergens, so introduce it on its own and wait before adding another new allergenic food.
Choking notes
Cooked scallop is firm and rubbery, and its round shape can block a child's airway, so it is a high choking risk. Never serve it whole, halved, or in chunks for a young child. Cook it through and mince or mash it finely, and serve it in small soft pieces only once your child chews reliably. Always keep your child seated and supervised while eating.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Scallops are a low-mercury shellfish, but cooked scallop is firm and rubbery, which makes the whole or chunked form a high choking risk. Cook the scallop thoroughly, then chop it very finely or mash it so it has no firm pieces, mixing it into a purée if that helps. Shellfish is a common allergen, so offer it on its own the first few times and watch for a reaction.
Cooked through, then very finely minced or mashed. No whole scallop, no chunks.
9-12 months
Keep cooking scallop thoroughly and finely mincing it, since it stays firm and rubbery. Stir the minced scallop into a soft mash or a grain dish rather than serving springy pieces. About two servings of low-mercury seafood a week is a common amount.
Finely minced and mixed into a soft carrier. No springy pieces.
12-18 months
Scallop is still firm and round, so it remains a choking shape that needs cutting down rather than serving whole or halved. Cook it through and chop it into small soft pieces, or keep mincing it into family dishes. It stays a good low-mercury choice, with about two seafood servings a week a common amount.
Small soft pieces or finely minced. Never whole or halved.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Shellfish is a common allergen. Read Shellfish guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat Scallop?
Most babies can try Scallop 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.
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