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Can babies eat mackerel?
Mackerel can be offered once your baby has started solids, prepared to suit their stage. This is a common allergen (Fish).
How to cook mackerel for a baby
- Method
- Bake or grill
- Ready in
- 15 Min.
- Texture
- Flaked or mashed
How you cut and serve mackerel changes as your baby grows. That is set out age by age below.
How to prepare mackerel, age by age
- 6 to 8 months
- Bake or grill thoroughly, remove all skin and bones, then blend or mash finely with vegetables.
- 9 to 11 months
- Flake cooked, bone-free mackerel and mix into vegetable purées or mashed potato.
- 12 to 17 months
- Flaked cooked mackerel in small pieces as part of a meal or on toast.
- 18 months and over
- Mackerel in family dishes — pate on toast, pasta, or fish cakes.
Choking risk
Check mackerel thoroughly for small pin bones before serving. Mackerel is an oily fish with a distinctive strong flavour — serve in small amounts initially.
Watch: How to avoid choking
Is mackerel an allergen?
Fish is one of the 14 major allergens. Introduce mackerel carefully alongside other already-accepted foods. Monitor for any reaction over 24 hours.
Learn about allergen introduction
Is mackerel good for babies?
Mackerel is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids — essential for brain development and visual acuity. The NHS recommends oily fish up to twice a week for babies and children. Mackerel is also packed with Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone development, and Vitamin B12 for neurological health.
- Omega-3
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Selenium
Storing mackerel
In the fridge
1 Day. Use cooked mackerel within 24 hours — oily fish deteriorates quickly
In the freezer
3 Months. Freeze in portions — smoked mackerel freezes particularly well
Baby recipes with mackerel
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This page is general information based on NHS weaning guidance, not medical advice. Always stay with your baby while they eat. If you have concerns about allergies, choking or your baby's development, speak to your health visitor or GP.