Is Fish Safe for Your Baby?
Margaret Meade
March 29, 2007
Fish, specifically shellfish and "boney" fish, are known to be allergens. It is often recommended to introduce fish only after a baby has reached 1 year of age. Many sources suggest waiting until after a baby has turned 3 years old regardless of the type of fish. Still, other sources say that introducing fish to a baby between the age of 9-10 months old is perfectly safe. Shellfish, the most highly allergenic of fish, should not be introduced to a child who may be allergy prone until around 3 years old or even older. Shellfish such as lobster, oysters etc. may induce deadly allergic reactions.
Fish are highly nutritious and eating fish two times a week is commonly recommended for both the adult and child diet. Fish contain an amazing array of nutrients such as protein, iron and calcium. Fish are low in "bad" fats and fish contain Essential Fatty Acids(commonly referred to as EFAs). The EFAs that fish contain are the Omega-3 fatty acids. Specific Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are DHA and EPA. These EFA's are not found in any other protein source, they are not even found in meat or plants.
EFA's found in fish and fish oil products help fight off both physical and mental diseases. It has been suggested, and some studies show, that fish oil (or other foods that contain Omega 3's) may even help alleviate ADHD or eczema. Getting these EFA's from eating the fish itself is better than taking fish oil supplements. As with any nutrient, when it is consumed in it's natural form, it is more bio-available and readily utilized by the body. However, if you are not a fan of eating fish, fish oil is the next best source available. Adding fish oil to your baby's diet is a possibility and should be thoroughly discussed with your pediatrician!
The risk of mercury poisoning from eating fish is often on the minds of parents who wish to serve it to their babies and children. Mercury contamination and poisoning is another reason why it is suggested to wait to introduce fish to an infant. Mercury can do severe damage to developing nervous systems should the consumption of mercury tainted fish be commonplace. Mercury levels in fish have been and will remain a large health concern for women who are considering getting pregnant, women who are currently pregnant, women who are breastfeeding and also for infants and young children. It is very important that those falling into the above groups do not consume fish with high levels of mercury. It has been found that specific fish species such as swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tilefish contain the highest amounts of mercury. Salmon, contrary to popular belief, has lower levels of mercury than one typically believes. Tuna (fresh caught, not canned tuna) is another fish that has less mercury that is often thought. Cold water fish have lower levels of mercury and also contain higher levels of Omega 3's.
If you are in the U.S. and are concerned about the fish in your local area, you may contact your state or local fish and game/wildlife department. You may call the US Environmental Protection Agency's hotline at 1 (888) SAFEFOOD or visit the Food and Drug Administration's list of State Public Health Agencies where you will find current Fish advisories for your State. Every country has an agency for the regulation of Food and you should check with your particular agency to find out about Mercury in your Country.
What Type of Fish are the best to introduce to baby?
When first introducing fish, it is important to select one of the "white flesh" fish types. Be sure to discuss introducing fish, especially shellfish, with your pediatrician prior to serving it. Flounder, Haddock, Cod, and Sole are the white flesh fish and these fish are considered some of the safest to introduce to babies. They are the most easily digestible and the lowest on the allergen list and as such, they are best to use when first introducing baby to fish.
When preparing fish for babies and young children, it is very important to ensure the fish is entirely de-boned. Be mindful of the fact that some fish contain tiny bones and take great care when de-boning fish. Once the fish has been thoroughly deboned, you may cook the fish by either poaching, baking or steaming the fish. Once the fish has been completely cooked, you may then puree it as you would any other meat you would serve to your baby. Some fish is so tender when cooked that you may be able to simply fork mash it. Don't be afraid to blend fish with veggies or even fruits and don't forget the spices! Remember, your baby is not aware that flounder mixed with pears is really not a nice mix; mix up fish combinations that you think your baby may enjoy! Try this yummy fish recipe for your older baby or toddler.
Fish Dinner Recipe:
1 filet of any fish
1/8 cup 2% or whole milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 cup mashed peas
1/8 cup mashed carrots
1/8 cup mashed potatoes (white or sweet potatoes)
dash of cinnamon
De-bone and then cook the fish by steaming, poaching or baking. Shred the cooked fish to ensure all the bones are removed. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend,dice or toss ingredients together. Serve warm plain or over rice or noodles. You may add noodles or rice when blending or processing to make a filling and nutritious meal.
Fish are highly nutritious and eating fish two times a week is commonly recommended for both the adult and child diet. Fish contain an amazing array of nutrients such as protein, iron and calcium. Fish are low in "bad" fats and fish contain Essential Fatty Acids(commonly referred to as EFAs). The EFAs that fish contain are the Omega-3 fatty acids. Specific Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are DHA and EPA. These EFA's are not found in any other protein source, they are not even found in meat or plants.
EFA's found in fish and fish oil products help fight off both physical and mental diseases. It has been suggested, and some studies show, that fish oil (or other foods that contain Omega 3's) may even help alleviate ADHD or eczema. Getting these EFA's from eating the fish itself is better than taking fish oil supplements. As with any nutrient, when it is consumed in it's natural form, it is more bio-available and readily utilized by the body. However, if you are not a fan of eating fish, fish oil is the next best source available. Adding fish oil to your baby's diet is a possibility and should be thoroughly discussed with your pediatrician!
The risk of mercury poisoning from eating fish is often on the minds of parents who wish to serve it to their babies and children. Mercury contamination and poisoning is another reason why it is suggested to wait to introduce fish to an infant. Mercury can do severe damage to developing nervous systems should the consumption of mercury tainted fish be commonplace. Mercury levels in fish have been and will remain a large health concern for women who are considering getting pregnant, women who are currently pregnant, women who are breastfeeding and also for infants and young children. It is very important that those falling into the above groups do not consume fish with high levels of mercury. It has been found that specific fish species such as swordfish, king mackerel, shark and tilefish contain the highest amounts of mercury. Salmon, contrary to popular belief, has lower levels of mercury than one typically believes. Tuna (fresh caught, not canned tuna) is another fish that has less mercury that is often thought. Cold water fish have lower levels of mercury and also contain higher levels of Omega 3's.
If you are in the U.S. and are concerned about the fish in your local area, you may contact your state or local fish and game/wildlife department. You may call the US Environmental Protection Agency's hotline at 1 (888) SAFEFOOD or visit the Food and Drug Administration's list of State Public Health Agencies where you will find current Fish advisories for your State. Every country has an agency for the regulation of Food and you should check with your particular agency to find out about Mercury in your Country.
What Type of Fish are the best to introduce to baby?
When first introducing fish, it is important to select one of the "white flesh" fish types. Be sure to discuss introducing fish, especially shellfish, with your pediatrician prior to serving it. Flounder, Haddock, Cod, and Sole are the white flesh fish and these fish are considered some of the safest to introduce to babies. They are the most easily digestible and the lowest on the allergen list and as such, they are best to use when first introducing baby to fish.
When preparing fish for babies and young children, it is very important to ensure the fish is entirely de-boned. Be mindful of the fact that some fish contain tiny bones and take great care when de-boning fish. Once the fish has been thoroughly deboned, you may cook the fish by either poaching, baking or steaming the fish. Once the fish has been completely cooked, you may then puree it as you would any other meat you would serve to your baby. Some fish is so tender when cooked that you may be able to simply fork mash it. Don't be afraid to blend fish with veggies or even fruits and don't forget the spices! Remember, your baby is not aware that flounder mixed with pears is really not a nice mix; mix up fish combinations that you think your baby may enjoy! Try this yummy fish recipe for your older baby or toddler.
Fish Dinner Recipe:
1 filet of any fish
1/8 cup 2% or whole milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 cup mashed peas
1/8 cup mashed carrots
1/8 cup mashed potatoes (white or sweet potatoes)
dash of cinnamon
De-bone and then cook the fish by steaming, poaching or baking. Shred the cooked fish to ensure all the bones are removed. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend,dice or toss ingredients together. Serve warm plain or over rice or noodles. You may add noodles or rice when blending or processing to make a filling and nutritious meal.
Print
Email
