Scallops
- First taste
- 6 months
- Choking risk
- high
- Common allergen
- yes
- Iron
- low
Mollusk allergen · cook well · firm, slippery
Contains allergens
Each new allergen is offered on its own and watched for two hours. Our allergen introduction guide is available in Turkish for now.
When can babies eat scallops?
When can babies have scallops?
Scallops can be offered once baby is ready for solids, from about 6 months, thoroughly cooked.
Cook thoroughly
Scallops carry a higher risk of foodborne illness, and babies are more prone to severe symptoms. Cook to an internal 145 F (63 C).
What are scallops?
Scallops are free-swimming bivalve mollusks related to clams, mussels and oysters. They live in coastal and deep ocean waters. There are over 400 species. In the US, bay scallops and sea scallops are the most common.
Nutrition
Rich in protein. They provide choline, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc and iodine.
How do you prepare scallops for babies?
Preparation basics
Choose fresh, good-quality scallops and cook them thoroughly. Canned scallops can be served from 6 months if finely chopped. For less sodium, pick low-sodium or no-salt-added.
There is no age at which raw scallops are risk-free. Vibrio in particular causes watery diarrhea in babies and children. Complex health history, stomach acid reducers or weak immunity raise the risk. Ceviche is raw too. Lime and citrus juice reduce bacteria but do not eliminate them.
As they grow: from 24 months many children can try a whole large sea scallop. If you trust the child's chewing, spitting out poorly chewed food and eating hard foods, show small bites on a large scallop first. If the child stuffs the whole thing in, stay calm. Small scallops are halved until about age 4.
Preparation by age
The same food is served differently at each age. What matters is how your baby sits, grasps and chews, more than the calendar.
6 months
6 months · Well cooked, finely chopped, mixed into soft foodmash
Cut: Finely chopped
Chop well-cooked or canned scallops very finely. Mix into a soft, spoonable food such as vegetable mash or sour cream. Never serve raw or undercooked.
9 months
9 months · Minced or sliced thincube
Finely chop or thinly slice thoroughly cooked scallops. Serve alone, or mix into pasta, rice or stew if baby struggles with the slippery pieces.
12 months
12 months · Thin slices and bite-sized piecesslice
Offer cooked scallop in thin slices or bite-sized pieces. Encourage spearing with a fork or picking up with trainer chopsticks. Model good chewing on your own piece. Small kinds, bay scallops for example, should never be served whole. Halve them or slice thin.
Is scallops a choking hazard for babies?
Choking risk: high
Scallops are firm, slippery and sometimes small. Chop finely or slice thin. Cut small ones in half so they are no longer round.
Choking risk
Scallops are firm, slippery and sometimes small, which raises the choking risk. Prepare them for the child's age. Small scallops are closer in size to a toddler's airway, so they are riskier than big ones. Stay within arm's reach during meals.
Is scallops a common allergen?
Allergen status
Mollusks such as scallops are not on the World Health Organization's Global Priority Allergen list. That list only counts crustaceans such as shrimp, crab and lobster. But many regulators around the world label mollusks as common food allergens too. Shellfish allergy mostly develops in adulthood rather than childhood. Most who develop it as children do not outgrow it.
People with scallop allergy may react to other mollusks such as clam, mussel, octopus, oyster, snail or squid. They also face over a 70 percent chance of reacting to crustaceans such as crawfish, crab, lobster and shrimp. If you suspect your baby is allergic, ask an allergist before serving scallops.
Shellfish allergy does not mean fish allergy. But cross-contamination can happen when the same tools and facilities are used. Start with a small amount and watch for signs.
Key nutrients
Frequently asked questions about scallops
Can babies have canned scallops?
Yes, if finely chopped, once baby is ready for solids, around 6 months. Pick a low-sodium or no-salt-added brand.
Can I give raw scallops or ceviche?
Raw scallops are not risk-free at any age. Bacteria such as Vibrio can cause serious illness. Citrus juice does not remove the risk fully. Avoiding them for a baby is advised.
Do scallops contain cadmium?
They can contain varying amounts depending on origin. Cadmium is a heavy metal that can affect nervous system development in excess. If your family eats scallops often, vary the diet.
Sources for this page
- Chandravanshi L, Shiv K, Kumar S. (2021). Developmental toxicity of cadmium in infants and children: a review. Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology. doi:10.5620/eaht.2021003
- Lopata AL, O'Hehir RE, Lehrer SB. (2010). Shellfish allergy. Clinical & Experimental Allergy. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03513.x
- Salazar-Llorente E, Morales M, Sornoza I, Mariduena-Zavala MG, Gu G, Nou X, et al. (2021). Microbiological Quality of High-Demand Food from Three Major Cities in Ecuador. Journal of Food Protection. doi:10.4315/JFP-20-271
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). Choking Prevention.
Guides on iron, allergen introduction, gagging and drinks. Read the starting solids guides
Medical note
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your pediatrician before any feeding decision, especially about allergen introduction and reactions.
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Astro Tasarım Simay Yenice · Türkiye · merhaba@lokmini.com