Fish is one of the most powerful sources of protein and also the healthiest non-vegetarian source of protein. If you are a non-vegetarian, this super-healthy food is a must in your baby’s diet but you will have to find out what fish is good for the baby before doing so.
Fish is beneficial for your baby’s health and growth in the following ways:
Fish is similar to any other solid food item that you will feed the baby with. It can be introduced into his diet after he is 6 months old. However, it is essential to check for any fish allergy the baby may have. In case of an allergy, it will help if you could wait till he becomes 8 months old so that the risk of allergy can be minimised. If your infant is already on a diet of cereals and other homemade items and hasn’t reacted to them, adding fish to his diet may not create any issues. In any case, it is best to check with your paediatrician before taking the decision and inform him about any family history of food allergies.
Any new food item should be carefully introduced to your little one’s diet and one should ensure the baby has accepted it well. Initially, do not feed your baby with a variety of fish at the same time. Instead, feed one type of fish, check your baby’s response to it and then move to the next variety. Steamed fish is easy on a baby’s digestion and hence it the best way to feed fish. Shallow frying or baking is also an alternative provided the fish is deboned, pureed and then added to your baby’s regular feed. You can also fry the fish using turmeric powder as a marinate and debone it before feeding the baby.
It is recommended to take the following precautions while introducing fish in your baby’s diet:
The best fishes for babies to eat are the ones that are high in protein, low in mercury content and are preferably larger in size. Larger fish means larger bones and this reduces any scope of fish bones being lodged in your baby’s throat. The following fish are considered safe for consumption by a baby:
Commonly known as tarli, this is one of the healthiest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, Vit D and phosphorus. Due to the high Vitamin D in them, the absorption of calcium and phosphorus is easier and this strengthens the bones.
This fish contains Vitamin A, B3, B12, E and Niacin in abundant quantities which are ideal for healthy skin and a robust digestive system. The mercury content in pomfrets is low too.
This fish is available in the form of rawas in India and is the safest to be added to your tiny baby’s diet. With its low mercury content and low allergy causing contents, rawas can be the ideal fish to introduce your baby to.
The following fish should be avoided while considering a baby’s diet:
It is important to understand the side effects of fish on babies before you add them to its meals:
When you feed your baby with fish for the first time, you should watch out for certain symptoms:
Try the following simple yet tasty fish recipes for Indian babies :
Ingredients
Boneless fish, pepper or cumin powder
Recipe
Ingredients
½ cup boneless fish, 1 carrot, cumin or pepper powder
Recipe
Fish is a fabulous source of proteins, vitamins and minerals, thus making it a vital ingredient to help the baby’s development. Remember, it should be consumed in moderate amounts. Check the mercury content in the fish variety if possible and you should be good to go.