Food guide
Herring
Herring, a nutrient-dense fatty fish, can be introduced from 6 months. It's packed with healthy fats crucial for brain development and offers a distinct savory flavor. Opt for fresh or canned varieties with no added salt.
How to serve at this age
6-9 months: Offer cooked herring (fresh or no-salt-added canned), thoroughly deboned and flaked into very small pieces. Mix into purées or mashed vegetables. 9-12 months: Serve well-cooked, deboned, and flaked herring in small, manageable pieces. Can be offered mixed into soft rice or pasta dishes. 12+ months: Offer cooked, deboned, and flaked herring as part of a meal, ensuring all bones are meticulously removed.
Nutrition
Herring is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which are vital for healthy brain and eye development in babies. It's also an excellent source of Vitamin D, essential for bone health, and high-quality protein for growth.
A note from the editors
For canned herring, always choose varieties packed in water or olive oil with no added salt, then drain and flake thoroughly.
Good to know
Fish is a common allergen. Introduce herring separately and watch carefully for signs of an allergic reaction. Always ensure all bones are meticulously removed from herring before serving to a baby.
This guide is also published on Avo Parenting. Read the Herring guide