First Bite

Cod

xuěyú · 鳕鱼 · Meat, Eggs & Fish

from 6 mochoking risk: Moderatecommon allergen

Extremely tender with almost no small bones — a first-choice fish for purée. At the counter, tell true cod from its stand-ins.

Your food log

How to serve, by age

6–8 mo

Steam and mash — little deboning needed; stir into congee or cereal.

9–11 mo

Fish purée, or fish egg custard.

12 mo+

Cooked fish in small pieces.

Choking risk: Moderate

Cod is tender and nearly boneless; even so, run a finger over every piece before serving.

If choking ever happens: act immediately — call emergency services (911 in the US) and seek emergency care. Do not wait.

Allergens

Fish is a common allergen. First serving small, then watch two or three days.

Common questions

Is 'silver cod' real cod?
Market 'silver cod' is usually sablefish or toothfish — not true cod, but still a fine white fish for babies. The one to refuse is oilfish, which commonly causes diarrhea.

Practical tips

  • Steam 8–10 minutes; longer cooking turns it fibrous.
  • Cod mashed with carrot or potato purée rolls into popular fish balls.

Sources

This page is general guidance assembled from the public sources above. It is not medical advice. For questions about your baby — including allergies, prematurity and any health condition — ask your pediatrician. See our medical disclaimer.

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Tried cod today?