Is this a good time to introduce fish to my baby? She just turned 10 months old.


There are mixed views on when fish should be introduced to babies. Some school of thought point to after babies turn one years old while other sources suggest it should be introduced earlier on, certainly before your baby's present age. And yet other sources recommend fish should be introduced as late as when the child is about three! Current recommendation is babies as young as 6-7 months can be introduced to fish, provided there are no family allergies. Since fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, young babies should not lose out on this important brain food. It is a good weaning food and a good source of protein and healthy fats.


All seafood contain omega 3s but your safest bet will be to introduce a variety of fish that are virtually mercury-free. Examples include cod, salmon, sole, herring, haddock, tilapia, trout and others. Avoid fish such as king mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish which contain toxins and heavy metals. Before getting on it, check if there is a family history of allergies because fish is a potential allergen. For starters introduce 2 oz per week and gradually increase it to about 6 oz - check with your baby's doctor on how much fish you should ideally feed your baby. At this age your baby can manage chopped, well-cooked fish. When preparing fish ensure it is deboned properly and thoroughly cooked to remove all viruses and bacteria that thrive easily in undercooked or raw fish. Serve a particular type of fish in small portions to make sure she tolerates it well before moving on to other types.