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Cod for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

A mild, low-mercury white fish that flakes into soft pieces. Fish is a top-9 allergen, so introduce it on its own and watch for a few days.

When to introduce: Around 9 months
Common allergen?: Yes (fish, a top-9 allergen)
Texture: Cooked through, flaked soft, all bones removed
Key nutrients: Protein, iodine, B12, selenium

When can babies eat cod?

Cod is a gentle, low-mercury white fish that works well from around 9 months, though fish can be offered earlier too. Since fish is a top-9 allergen, introduce cod deliberately: a small amount, earlier in the day, then watch your baby for two to three days.

How to prepare cod, by age

9 monthsPoach or bake cod until it flakes, remove every bone, and mash or flake into soft pieces.

12 months+Small flaked pieces stirred into mash, rice, or a sauce.

18 months+Soft cod bites or homemade fish cakes with no added salt.

Is cod safe? Choking & prep

Cook cod through and check very carefully for bones, removing every one, since bones are a serious choking hazard. Flake it soft and serve it moist. Introduce it as an allergen, one new food at a time.

First time with cod? Log the bite and Yummy Yucky runs the 3-day allergen watch for you, so a reaction gets noticed instead of second-guessed.

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Nutrition

Cod provides lean protein, iodine, and B12, which support brain development and a healthy thyroid.

Goes well with

Potato · Peas · Broccoli

Storage & freezing

Cooked cod keeps 1 to 2 days in the fridge and freezes well. Cook it from fresh or fully thawed.

Introducing this allergen

How to introduce cod safely →

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat cod?

From around 9 months, and fish can be introduced earlier too. Cook it through, flake it soft, and remove all bones.

Is cod safe for babies with mercury concerns?

Yes, cod is a low-mercury fish, which makes it a good regular choice compared with high-mercury fish like tuna.

How do I remove all the bones from cod?

Flake the cooked fish gently with your fingers and run them through it, feeling for any bones before serving.

Is cod a common allergen?

Yes, fish is a top-9 allergen. Introduce cod on its own and watch for a reaction over the next two to three days.

Sources

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Track it in Yummy Yucky

Log first tries, get nudged through the 3-day allergen watch, and keep every bite in one place you can share with your pediatrician.

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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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