Branzino (Sea Bass)

Choking risk

Branzino is a moderate choking risk for babies - the cooked flesh falls apart easily, but the pin bones and skin do not.

Lift the flesh off the frame, check every flake for bones, peel off the skin, and keep it moist. See how to serve for age-by-age prep.

Allergens

Branzino is a fish, and fish is a common food allergen. There's no reason to delay it, though - waiting doesn't prevent allergies, and allergens can start alongside other solids from around 6 months.^[2]

Fish and shellfish are separate allergens, so doing fine with one doesn't tell you anything about the other - though fish do run together: a reaction to one fish usually means checking with your pediatrician before trying others.^[3]

If your baby has severe eczema or an existing food allergy, check with your pediatrician before starting allergens. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon of well-cooked, finely flaked branzino mixed into a familiar food, earlier in the day, not near bedtime. Watch for a reaction over the next couple of hours. Build up gradually from there, and keep fish in the diet a few times a week.^[4]

If baby refuses

Branzino is one of the sweeter, milder fish - far less fishy than mackerel or sardines - so if it comes back, the flavor is rarely the reason. Flake it through orzo or mashed potato with a little olive oil to keep it moist. Keep offering it - tastes change with repeat tries.

Food safety

Cook branzino until opaque and flaking easily all the way through - 145°F - and never serve it raw or undercooked. Babies are more vulnerable to food poisoning than adults. Skip salted, smoked, and cured versions.^[6]