Let’s talk about a food you probably never thought you’d be serving your baby: prawns for babies.

Yes, I said prawns.
Seafood.
For your baby.

Before you clutch your baby spoon in panic — hear me out. Because not only can babies eat prawns (spoiler alert: they can), they’re actually a powerhouse food when introduced the right way.

So if you’re looking to level up your baby’s food game beyond bananas and oatmeal, this guide’s for you.

🍼 Can Babies Eat Prawns?

Short answer: Yes, they can.
Long answer: Yes — but timing, prep, and safety matter.

You can introduce prawns to your baby around 6 months old, as long as they’re cooked thoroughly and your baby has started solids successfully.

BUT — and this is a big but — prawns are a common allergen, so they need to be introduced carefully (more on that in my article about introducing allergens).

💥 Why Bother? The Benefits of Prawns for Babies

Okay, so why should you even want to give your baby prawns? Glad you asked:

1. Protein

Prawns are packed with high-quality protein — perfect for building your baby’s rapidly growing muscles, cells, and brain tissue.

2. Loaded with Iron + Zinc

Prawns are rich in heme iron, the kind babies can absorb more easily. Plus, they contain zinc, which is crucial for growth, immunity, and healing.

3. Brain-Boosting B12 + Omega-3s

We love a food that does double duty. Prawns provide vitamin B12 for brain development and omega-3s for cognitive health. (Yes, they’re tiny sea geniuses.)

4. Low in Mercury

Unlike some fish (looking at you, swordfish), prawns are low in mercury, which makes them safe for tiny tummies in moderation.

🧂 How to Introduce Prawns to Your Baby (Without the Panic)

Here’s your no-fuss roadmap:

✅ Step 1: Choose Fresh or Frozen

Go for fresh, wild-caught or frozen, deveined prawns. Avoid anything pre-seasoned or breaded.

✅ Step 2: Cook Them Well

Babies = no raw or undercooked shellfish. Boil, steam, or pan-fry until opaque and pink all the way through.

✅ Step 3: Chop It Fine or Blend It Up

Depending on your baby’s age and chewing ability:

• For early eaters (6–8 months): blend prawns into purées or mix into mashed veggies.
• For BLW: finely chop and mix into pancakes, fritters, or rice.
• For older babies (9–12 months): soft chunks are okay, as long as they’re cut small.
  

✅ Step 4: Watch for Allergies

Prawns = shellfish = potential allergen. Introduce in the morning, one new food at a time, and wait 2–3 days before offering other new foods.

👀 Real-Mom Tip: Sneak Prawns Into Recipes That Don’t Feel Like Seafood

If your baby’s giving “nope” energy to the prawn taste or texture, sneak it in like this:

• Mix into mashed potato or sweet potato
• Blend into tomato-based baby pasta sauce
• Hide in veggie fritters or patties
• Combine with avocado for a creamy mash

Babies are little food detectives — you just need to stay one step ahead 😉

⚠️ When NOT to Serve Prawns to Babies

Hold off if:

• Your baby has a known shellfish allergy
• You have a family history of shellfish allergies — talk to your pediatrician first
• The prawns are raw, undercooked, or come from questionable sources (e.g., buffet leftovers)

And as always: no salt, no seasoning, no sauces until at least 1 year old.

🛒 What to Look for When Buying Prawns for Babies

• Wild-caught > farmed (less likely to have antibiotics)
• Frozen is fine if there are no additives or preservatives
• Look for deveined, peeled prawns to save yourself the prep time (because, let’s be honest, who has time for shrimp surgery at 7am?)

🧠 Surprising Fact You Probably Haven’t Heard

Prawns contain astaxanthin — a natural antioxidant that gives them their pink color. It helps fight inflammation and supports eye and skin health in growing babies. (Yep, shrimp are basically skincare.)

🦐 Real Talk: Are Prawns Worth It for Babies?

Listen — I’m not saying prawns need to be a weekly staple. But if you’re looking for a nutrient-dense, flavor-packed food that babies can love when introduced right, prawns are a total win.

Just keep it simple. Keep it safe. And maybe sneak a few bites for yourself too — you earned it.

FAQ: Prawns for Babies

Q: What age can babies have prawns?
A: From 6 months, as long as they’re cooked thoroughly and there’s no family history of shellfish allergy.

Q: How often can babies eat prawns?
A: 1–2 times per week is a great starting point. Just rotate with other proteins for variety.

Q: Can I give prawns if we’re doing baby-led weaning?
A: Absolutely. Just chop them finely or shred and mix into soft foods your baby can self-feed.

Q: Can babies eat prawns and rice?
A: Yes! It’s a great combo. Just keep portions small and make sure the prawns are soft and easy to chew.