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Catfish for Babies: When and How to Serve It

Catfish is an affordable, mild farmed whitefish that is low in mercury, which makes it a good early fish for babies once it is deboned and cooked until it flakes.

When to introduce
Around 6 months
Common allergen?
Yes (fish, a top-9 allergen)
Texture
Baked or poached until flaky, deboned
Key nutrients
Lean protein, vitamin B12, omega-3 fats

When can babies eat catfish?

Catfish is a mild, budget-friendly whitefish that is mostly farmed in the US. It has a gentle flavor and a soft, flaky texture when cooked, and US farmed catfish is low in mercury, so it fits nicely into a regular rotation for babies. The main thing to skip is the classic breaded-and-fried version, which is tasty but too salty and crunchy for a baby. Baking or poaching gives you a soft fillet that is easy to flake.

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

6 monthsBake or poach a fillet until it flakes easily and is cooked all the way through. Let it cool, remove any bones, and flake or mash it soft with no added salt. Offer it on its own the first few times.
9 monthsServe soft flakes for your baby to self-feed, or mix flaked catfish into mashed sweet potato or a soft grain so it is easier to pick up.
12 months+Offer small deboned pieces as part of a meal. Bake or poach rather than frying, and keep it plain instead of breaded so the salt stays low.

Is catfish safe? Choking & prep

Fish is a top-9 allergen, so introduce catfish alone and watch for a reaction. Remove any bones, and cook it through until it flakes. Flake or mash it soft. Skip the breaded and fried catfish that is common in restaurants because of the salt, and bake or poach it at home instead.

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Nutrition

Catfish provides lean protein, vitamin B12, and some omega-3 fats. US farmed catfish is low in mercury, so it is a fish you can comfortably serve to your baby on a regular basis.

Goes well with

Sweet potato · Green beans · Cornbread

Storage & freezing

Refrigerate cooked catfish in a sealed container for 1 to 2 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

More proteins to explore

🌰
ChestnutAround 6 months, cooked and mashed
🍗
ChickenAround 6 months
🍖
Chicken liverAround 6 months
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ChickpeasAround 6 months
🐚
ClamsAround 6 months, always fully cooked
🐟
CodAround 9 months

Introducing this allergen

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat catfish?

Babies can usually try catfish around 6 months. Bake or poach it until it flakes, remove any bones, and serve it flaked or mashed with no added salt.

Is catfish a common allergen?

Yes. Fish is a top-9 allergen, so offer catfish on its own the first time and watch for any reaction before combining it with other new foods.

Can I give my baby fried catfish?

It is best to skip breaded and fried catfish for babies because it is high in salt and the coating adds an unnecessary crunch. Bake or poach a plain fillet instead.

Is catfish high in mercury?

US farmed catfish is low in mercury, which makes it a good fish to serve babies regularly.

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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