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Anchovies for Babies: When and How to Introduce Them

Anchovies are a fish (an allergen) and very salty, so rinse them well and offer only small amounts occasionally from around 9 months. Check for tiny bones. They are rich in omega-3.

When to introduce
Around 9 months, rinsed and in small amounts
Common allergen?
Yes (fish, a top-9 allergen)
Texture
Rinsed, deboned, and finely mashed or minced
Key nutrients
Omega-3 fats, protein, calcium; very high sodium

When can babies eat anchovies?

Anchovies are tiny, oily fish with a big savory punch, and they are genuinely rich in omega-3 fats. They can join your baby's plate around 9 months, with two important catches. First, anchovies are very salty, so rinse them well and offer only small amounts occasionally. Second, they are a fish, one of the top-9 allergens, so introduce them deliberately. And check carefully for tiny bones.

How to prepare anchovies for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées, by age

9 monthsRinse anchovies well to cut the salt, check carefully for tiny bones, then finely mash or mince a small amount into puree, mashed vegetables, or soft grains. Offer on their own first.
12 months+Continue rinsing well and serving small amounts occasionally, finely mashed or minced into soft foods, still checking for bones.
18 months+Offer small amounts of rinsed, deboned anchovy folded into family dishes now and then, keeping the overall salt low.

Are anchovies safe? Choking & prep

Anchovies are very salty, and babies need very little sodium, so rinse them well to reduce the salt and offer only small amounts occasionally rather than regularly. Check carefully for tiny bones and remove them, since fish bones are a choking hazard, then finely mash or mince the fish. Anchovy is a fish, one of the top-9 allergens, so introduce it on its own on a calm day and watch for a reaction over the next couple of hours and the days after. Mild signs are hives, swelling, or vomiting; any trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat is an emergency, call emergency services. If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician before starting fish.

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Nutrition

Anchovies are rich in omega-3 fats, which support your baby's brain and eye development, along with protein and some calcium from their soft little bones. The trade-off is their very high salt content, which is why they are a small-amount, occasional food rather than a staple. Rinsing helps, but the portion still stays modest.

Goes well with

Rice · Tomato · Potato

Storage & freezing

Refrigerate opened anchovies in a sealed container and use within a few days; keep any baby portion small and freshly prepared.

More proteins to explore

🥩
BeefAround 6 months
🫘
Black beansAround 6 months
🫘
Black-eyed peasAround 6 months
🌰
Brazil nut (ground)Around 6 months, ground or thinned only
🥜
Cashew butterAround 9 months
🐟
CatfishAround 6 months

Introducing this allergen

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat anchovies?

Around 9 months, rinsed well to cut the salt, deboned, and finely mashed in small amounts. Since anchovy is a fish allergen, introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction.

Why only small amounts of anchovies?

Anchovies are very salty, and babies need very little sodium. Rinsing helps, but keep the portion small and offer it only occasionally rather than regularly.

Are anchovies a common allergen?

Yes, anchovy is a fish, one of the top-9 allergens. Offer a small amount on its own on a calm day so you can watch how your baby responds.

What about the bones in anchovies?

Check carefully and remove any tiny bones before serving, since fish bones are a choking hazard, then finely mash or mince the fish.

Sources

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How we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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