Fish for babies

Fish, especially oily sea fish, are a great source of protein, fat and micronutrients, such as iodine and omega-3 fatty acids. Read on for Dr Sophie's answers to your more frequently asked questions.

When and how can I introduce fish to my baby?

You can introduce fish as early as 6 months of age. Be mindful that some children can develop an allergy to fish and shellfish, so I recommend not to introduce it simultaneously with other allergens. 

How much fish should my baby have?

There aren’t any specific recommendations for babies but adults should have two portions or 2x140g of fish per week. It is, therefore, sensible to offer fish to your baby twice a week as well, albeit with smaller portion sizes (1-3 tablespoons). 

Exceeding the above amounts is not recommended, as fish is often contaminated with pollutants, such as heavy metals (mercury) or polychlorinated biphenyls. Increased levels of these pollutants in your baby’s blood might have a negative impact on their development. 

Is there any kind of fish I should avoid?

• Raw fish - raw fish if not cleaned and chilled properly, can be a source of food poisoning, so is best avoided in children under the age of 12 months.

• Shark, Swordfish and Marlin - these varieties often contain high amounts of pollutants, such as mercury. 

How do I get started?

• Mix canned tuna with oats, form them into fish fingers and bake them in the oven (20 minutes at 180 degrees)
  
  
• Mashed salmon and broccoli can make a great pasta sauce
  
  
• Add some steamed cod to our Spinach, Sweet Potato & Chickpea meal