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Cook cuttlefish gently by simmering or braising until very tender, then cut into finger-length strips about the width of two adult fingers so your baby can grasp them easily. Remove any tough skin or membrane and check carefully for shell fragments. You can serve the strips on their own or lightly coat them in a soft dip like mashed avocado to make them easier to grip.
Continue to cook cuttlefish until tender, then shred it into small soft pieces or offer flakes that your baby can pick up with a developing pincer grasp. You can also cut it into small soft bites about the size of a chickpea, ensuring the pieces are moist and easy to chew. Mix shredded cuttlefish into soft grains like rice or pasta to help your baby practise self-feeding.
Offer cuttlefish in small tender bites or strips as part of family meals, ensuring it stays moist and is not overcooked, which can make it tough and rubbery. Continue to check for any shell fragments and remove any dry or chewy edges. Serve alongside vegetables, grains, or in mild curries and stews to introduce variety and flavour.
Cuttlefish is an excellent source of lean protein, which supports growth, tissue repair, and immune function in babies. It also provides important minerals including selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins such as B12, which support brain development and energy metabolism. Like many types of seafood, cuttlefish is low in fat but rich in nutrients that complement a varied weaning diet.
Cuttlefish is a shellfish and a common allergen, so it should be introduced carefully and on its own to watch for signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Some experts classify cuttlefish as a mollusc, which is distinct from crustacean shellfish like prawns, so an allergy to one type does not always mean an allergy to the other.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/cuttlefish-tender