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Tuna for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

Fine in small, occasional amounts, but tuna carries more mercury than other fish, so it is a sometimes food rather than a staple.

When to introduce: Around 12 months
Common allergen?: Yes (fish, a top-9 allergen)
Texture: Flaked soft, bones checked, moist
Key nutrients: Protein, omega-3, B12, selenium

When can babies eat tuna?

Tuna is fine for babies in small amounts, but it carries more mercury than fish like cod or salmon, so keep it occasional. Canned light tuna is lower in mercury than albacore or fresh tuna. Since fish is a top-9 allergen, introduce it deliberately and watch for a few days.

How to prepare tuna, by age

12 monthsFlake a small amount of canned light tuna, check for bones, and mix into mash or a sauce to keep it moist.

18 months+Small flaked portions in pasta, rice, or a fish cake, still on an occasional basis.

2 years+A little tuna now and then as part of varied family meals.

Is tuna safe? Choking & prep

Choose canned light tuna over albacore or fresh tuna to keep mercury low, and serve it only occasionally. Flake it soft, check for bones, and rinse tinned tuna to cut the salt. Introduce it as an allergen, one new food at a time.

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

Track tuna in the app →

Nutrition

Tuna offers protein, omega-3 fats, and B12, though the mercury content is why it stays an occasional food rather than a regular one.

Goes well with

Pasta · Rice · Sweet potato

Storage & freezing

Opened canned tuna keeps 1 to 2 days in the fridge in a covered container. Cooked tuna dishes freeze reasonably well.

Introducing this allergen

How to introduce tuna safely →

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat tuna?

Small amounts from around 12 months, kept occasional because of mercury. Choose canned light tuna and flake it soft.

How much tuna can a baby have?

Keep it to small, occasional servings rather than a weekly staple, since tuna carries more mercury than most other fish.

Is canned light tuna better than albacore?

Yes, canned light tuna is lower in mercury than albacore or fresh tuna, so it is the better pick for babies.

Do I need to rinse canned tuna?

Yes, rinsing tinned tuna helps reduce the salt. Choose tuna in water rather than brine or oil where you can.

Sources

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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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