Protein

Tuna

Tuna is a fantastic protein source for your baby, offering a mild flavor and soft texture that many little ones enjoy. It's packed with nutrients that support brain development and immune function, making it a nutritious addition to their diet.¹ Plus, its versatility means you can easily mix it with other favorite foods.

PPippin Feeding TeamReviewed by feeding specialists · Updated January 2026

First age6m+

CategoryProtein

Common allergenYes

Choking riskLow

When can babies eat Tuna?

You can introduce tuna around 6 months when starting solids, but many parents wait until 8-9 months as it's a common allergen. Always check with your pediatrician first, especially if there's a family history of fish allergies.

Storage tip

Store canned tuna in a cool, dry place until opened, then refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For fresh tuna, use within 1-2 days of purchase or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to serve Tuna by age

6 to 9 months

For babies 6-9 months, cook tuna thoroughly by steaming, baking, or poaching until it reaches 145°F and flakes easily. Remove all skin and bones, then mash or finely flake the tuna into tiny, soft pieces that your baby can gum safely. You can mix it with mashed avocado or sweet potato to help it stick together.

Choose low-mercury tuna varieties like skipjack
Cook tuna until it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork
Mash tuna with a fork to create a soft, lumpy texture
Mix with a binding agent like mashed banana or yogurt if needed
Serve in small amounts on your baby's tray or loaded onto a spoon

9 to 12 months

For babies 9-12 months, you can offer larger, soft flakes of cooked tuna that they can pick up with their developing pincer grasp. Consider forming tuna into small, soft patties or mixing it with cooked grains like quinoa or rice to make it easier to handle. Ensure pieces are no larger than 1/2 inch to reduce choking risk.

Flake tuna into pea-sized pieces for easy grabbing
Make tuna salad with mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise
Combine tuna with cooked vegetables for a balanced meal
Offer tuna on its own or as part of a deconstructed sandwich
Watch for signs of chewing as your baby's skills improve

12 months +

For toddlers 12 months and up, you can offer tuna in more varied forms, such as in sandwiches, salads, or as part of family meals. Continue to ensure it's flaked into bite-sized pieces and monitor for bones. You can gradually introduce more seasonings, but still limit added salt and avoid high-mercury fish like shark or swordfish.

Include tuna in family meals like pasta dishes or casseroles
Offer tuna salad on whole grain bread or crackers
Teach your toddler to check for bones with your help
Pair tuna with colorful vegetables to make meals appealing
Continue to limit tuna to 1-2 servings per week due to mercury

Safety & allergens

Choking risk: Low

Tuna is naturally soft and flaky, so it has a low choking risk when prepared appropriately. For babies, always mash or flake it finely to avoid any large pieces. Avoid adding hard mix-ins like raw vegetables until your baby is older and can handle more textured foods.

Common allergen

Fish allergies affect about 0.2-0.5% of children, with tuna being one of the more common fish allergens.²

Watch for symptoms:

Hives
Swelling
Digestive upset
Difficulty breathing

Start with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) and watch for any reactions over the next few hours.³ It's best to introduce tuna at home, not at daycare or restaurants, and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about allergies.

Vitamins & minerals

Tuna is rich in Vitamin D, which helps your baby absorb calcium for strong bones, and Vitamin B12, essential for healthy nerve function and red blood cell production.⁴ It also provides selenium, an important mineral that supports the immune system and thyroid health.⁵

Vitamins

Vitamin DVitamin B12Vitamin B3Vitamin B6

Minerals

SeleniumPhosphorusPotassiumIodine

Nutritional synergy

Pair tuna with foods high in Vitamin C, like mashed sweet potatoes or bell peppers, to enhance iron absorption from other ingredients in the meal.⁶

Common questions

What type of tuna is best for babies?

Choose canned light tuna (like skipjack) over albacore, as it generally has lower mercury levels. Look for tuna packed in water without added salt, and always drain it well before serving to reduce sodium.

How can I tell if my baby is having an allergic reaction to tuna?

Watch for symptoms like hives, swelling around the mouth, vomiting, or fussiness after eating. If you notice any of these, stop feeding tuna and contact your pediatrician. Mild reactions might just be a dislike of the texture, so give it a few tries.

Can I mix tuna with other foods to make it more appealing?

Absolutely! Try mixing finely flaked tuna with mashed avocado, yogurt, or pureed vegetables like peas or carrots. This adds creaminess and familiar flavors that can help your baby accept it more easily.