Tuna is filled with nutrients for maintenance and growth of the body. It is rich in proteins and Omega 3 fatty acids, and protects the body from heart diseases and cancer. Mercury exposure is the biggest concern regarding tuna fish; however, age appropriate servings of low-mercury fish in limited quantity is deemed safe.
Fish is essential for the healthy growth and development of the baby. The most valid concern is mercury contamination. But if you give the baby very little portions that are appropriate for his age, tuna can prove to be very beneficial for his health. A wealth of nutrients can be supplied if your baby is provided with canned tuna.
While deciding when to let your baby have tuna, you should be careful about the allergies it can cause. Although tuna isn’t really the type of seafood that can induce allergies, every person’s body reacts differently. Your child should have touched the six-month mark before you dish up tuna for any of his meals. Check if a small serving is causing any harmful reactions, and if not, you can definitely feed him tuna more often.
The nutritional quotient of tuna is very high. It contains multiple vitamins, such as Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin D. It is also rich in phosphorus and selenium, and a wonderful source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iodine.
Can babies have canned tuna? As it happens, canned light tuna is considered best for infants! Omega 3 reduces joint pain and stiffness, promotes neurological development in children, and helps fight asthma. The rich content of proteins builds muscles and balances caloric content. It surely is a superfood to enjoy!
A few essential steps are a must before you use tuna for baby food.
As there is a great risk of bacteria, ensure that the canned tuna is thoroughly cooked. Care must be taken to ensure that there are no bones that the baby can choke on.
Remember to buy canned tuna which is relatively safer for babies. Serving tuna in large quantities can harm the baby, so limit feeding the baby to twice a week only.
Be watchful of allergies that can occur due to feeding tuna to babies. After eating tuna, if your baby has a rash on his lips or face or swelling of the tongue, then you should stop giving tuna. If your baby is vomiting, wheezing, has an upset stomach or diarrhoea, take him to the doctor as these are signs of allergy.
The best way to make the dish enjoyable and nutritive is to combine the tuna with pureed vegetables to ensure your baby gets plenty of nutrients.
Tuna may be contaminated with mercury which can harm the baby’s nervous system, which is the major risk or concern when it comes to feeding babies fish in general. If consumed in unhealthy quantities, it can result in neurological problems; hence, the stress on small servings once or twice a week only.
Some precautions have to be taken to ensure safe intake of tuna:
Even within canned tuna, albacore (‘white’) tuna contains more levels of mercury than canned light tuna or skipjack. It’s safer to go for options with a lower content of mercury.
While introducing tuna to your toddler, take it slow at first. Watch out for any seafood allergy and then give it again, and keep checking that your child does not show any symptoms of an allergy.
If you wish to feed your child fish but are worried about the mercury content, you can try salmon too. Salmon has almost identical nutritive properties, and makes for a great alternative.
For safety purposes, stick to age-appropriate servings.
Here are 2 recipes you can feed your little one once he has crossed 6 months of age and has started to develop a taste for solids:
Introduce tuna with this simple and easy recipe.
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Method
Babies can enjoy small, bite-sized portions of this recipe, but this can be a great treat for all members of the family!
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Method
Tuna is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, and offers several health benefits. Make sure to check if your baby can have tuna without any problems!