Avo ParentingStarting Solids
Mackerel

Mackerel

From 6 monthsCommon allergenChoking risk★★★★★
Fish & Seafood

Mackerel is a fantastic oily fish, packed with essential nutrients for growing babies. Its soft, flaky texture when cooked makes it easy to offer as one of baby's first protein sources.

How to serve

6-9 months

Offer cooked mackerel that has been thoroughly deboned and flaked into small, easily mashable pieces.

9-12 months

Serve cooked, deboned, and finely flaked mackerel mixed into soft vegetables, rice, or pasta.

12+ months

Continue offering deboned, flaked mackerel, allowing baby to pick up larger, still soft pieces, always checking for bones.

Nutrition

IronProteinVitamin AB vitaminsHealthy fatsZinc

An excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, which are vital for healthy brain and eye development in infants. It also provides high-quality protein for growth and Vitamin D for strong bones and immune support.

Good to know

To reduce choking risk, ensure mackerel is always thoroughly cooked, completely deboned, and flaked into very small, soft pieces.

Mackerel is fish, a common allergen. Introduce it one at a time and watch closely for any signs of an allergic reaction. Always, always check for and remove all bones before serving to prevent choking.

Contains: fish

Tip

Fresh or canned (in water, no salt added) mackerel are both great options. Always check meticulously for any bones before serving, as they can be very tiny.

Related foods

Track every first biteGet the Avo Starting Solids app for allergen tracking, the 100 Foods Challenge, and age-based serving guides.