Prep warning
Cook fresh tuna through until it flakes; never serve it raw or seared. Tuna is a fish, one of the major allergens, so offer it on its own and watch for a reaction. Use lower-mercury canned light tuna for regular meals and limit higher-mercury white or albacore tuna.
Choking notes
Fish itself is soft, but bones are the main hazard. Run your fingers through every piece and remove all bones, including the small ones in canned tuna. Serve it moist so dry flakes don't bunch up.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook tuna through until it flakes apart and is no longer translucent, or use canned tuna packed in water, drained. Flake it finely and remove any bones, then mash into a smooth purée or mix into another mashed food so it holds together. Choose canned light tuna, which is lower in mercury, and keep portions small. Serve plain with no added salt. Introduce it on its own as one of the early fish, then wait a few days before adding another new food so any reaction is easy to spot.
Smooth purée, or finely flaked and moistened so there are no firm clumps. Check by hand for bones first.
9-12 months
Offer soft, well-cooked or canned tuna flaked into small pieces as a finger food, or keep mixing it into mashes and grain dishes. Keep checking for and removing bones. Continue with canned light tuna most of the time and serve it about twice a week as part of a varied diet. Still no added salt.
Small soft flakes, deboned, or thin strips that fall apart easily.
12-18 months
Serve flaked tuna as a soft table food, mixed into pasta, rice, mashed avocado or a sandwich filling. Keep choosing canned light tuna for everyday meals and limit white or albacore tuna, which is higher in mercury, to about once a week. Keep added salt low and remove any bones from fresh tuna.
Bite-size soft flakes; mix into a moist dish so it doesn't crumble apart and dry out.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Fish is a common allergen. Read Fish guidance
Meal ideas with Tuna
Common questions
When can my baby eat Tuna?
Most babies can try Tuna from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
Is Tuna a choking hazard for babies?
Tuna is considered a lower choking-risk food when served in age-appropriate sizes and textures. Follow the cut sizes above and always stay close during meals.
Is Tuna a common allergen?
Tuna contains Fish, one of the major food allergens. Offer a small amount the first few times and watch for a reaction — see the allergen notes above.
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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