Prep warning
Always cook shrimp thoroughly, never raw. Remove the shell, tail and dark vein. Choose shrimp for its low mercury level and introduce it on its own as a common allergen.
Choking notes
A whole shrimp is round and rubbery, which is a choking shape. Cook it soft and chop it small, quartering larger shrimp.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook the shrimp through until firm and opaque, never raw. Peel it and remove the shell, tail and the dark vein. Finely mince or mash the cooked flesh, or blend it into a purée. Shrimp is a common allergen, so offer it on its own and watch for any reaction.
Finely minced, mashed or puréed cooked shrimp.
9-12 months
Keep cooking the shrimp through and removing the shell, tail and vein. As the pincer grasp develops, offer finely minced or small soft pieces of the cooked flesh.
Finely minced or small soft pieces of cooked shrimp.
12-18 months
Serve cooked, peeled shrimp as soft table food. Because a whole shrimp is a round, rubbery choking shape, chop it into small pieces or quarter larger shrimp. Keep pieces small and supervise while eating.
Cooked shrimp chopped into small pieces; quarter larger shrimp.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Shellfish is a common allergen. Read Shellfish guidance
Meal ideas with Shrimp
Common questions
When can my baby eat Shrimp?
Most babies can try Shrimp from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is Shrimp a choking hazard for babies?
Shrimp carries a moderate choking risk for babies. Follow the age-appropriate cut sizes and textures above, and always stay close during meals.
Is Shrimp a common allergen?
Shrimp contains Shellfish, one of the major food allergens. Offer a small amount the first few times and watch for a reaction — see the allergen notes above.
Sources7
- AAP - Starting Solid Foods (around 6 months)
- NHS - What to feed your baby from around 6 months
- AAP - Choking prevention guidance for infants and toddlers
- CDC - Foods that are choking hazards for infants and toddlers
- AAP - Introducing common food allergens to your baby
- AAAAI - Prevention of allergies and asthma in children
- USDA FoodData Central - Shrimp (nutrient data)
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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