I decided to start introducing fish into my 11 month DD's diet. I gave her a little bit of salmon, and she liked it just fine. The problem is that I LOATHE fish. Any kind of fish, other than tuna. Even then, it's iffy. But I figure that it's something that would diversify her diet a bit... plus it's really healthy for her... sooo since she seems to like it, I will prepare it for her. I have 4 questions...
1. What kinds of (real) fish have the most health benefits and are safe for babies?
2. What is the easiest way to prepare small portions of said fish?
3. Is it OK to refrigerate and re-heat later?
4. Are fish sticks still healthy, or do they lose their goodness in the processing/freezing process?
Any other fish-related words of wisdom are appreciated... I haven't had fish in my diet for as long as I can remember, so I have nooo clue if there is anything that shouldn't be fed to babies, or cooking specifications, or whatnot. :P Thanks! :)
Try to stay away from anything farmed or large fish like tuna or swordfish for a young child. Also, look for things caught wild and in North America since lots of countries don't have high standards regarding pollution. Wild salmon is nice and fatty and good for a child. I am impressed that she likes it. Good job giving it to her!
I hate fish too, but try to make it for my girls.occasionally too. I try to eat it myself, but it's rough. I want to like fish :) I find salmon in particular more oily and fishy. I have had luck with tilapia as a lighter flakier fish in my opinon. Maybe ask the fishmonger at a reliable grocer like Whole Foods for suggestions. I also buy salmon burgers which I just slice up for them. They have things other than fish, but aren't as bad as fish sticks because they aren't fried and you can find some higher qulaity fish options. The biggest issue I know of is whether to use fishery or open water fish - the science goes back and forth on the quality and the levels of mercury. I will read responses with interest to learn more myself. Good luck wiht it.
Here's some good informative articles:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_should-your-kids-eat-fish-how...
http://www.babycenter.com/408_when-can-my-baby-eat-fish_#...
Good for you for doing something you dislike because you know it'll benefit your daughter. Way to go, mama!
Personally, I'm a big fish and seafood lover. I'm not sure I can answer your question about types of fish that are safe for babies but, for now, it's probably better to stay away from tuna and swordfish because of mercury concerns.
Fish doesn't keep quite as long as beef or chicken. Buy the thickest piece you can to avoid drying as it cooks (it takes a while to develop a touch in cooking fish and many people new to cooking it tend to overdo). And, yes, it's perfectly OK to refrigerate and re-heat later. I do it all the time.
For flaky white fish like cod or haddock: place it in a baking dish (skin side down, if it has skin), sprinkle with some bread crumbs as you like (I like fewer, my husband likes more), dot with butter. Add a little thyme, salt and pepper and maybe a little lemon juice. Bake in a 350 oven for about 20 minutes or until done (it'll be flaky when it's cooked through).
For heartier fish like salmon (and later for tuna and swordfish): brush with a little olive oil or butter (olive oil smokes less), sprinkle a little lemon juice and broil.
Piece of cake! and quite yummy.
I don't think fish sticks are the healthiest option, kind of like chicken nuggets versus broiled or roasted chicken, put probably not terrible on occasion. I like 'em with tartar sauce, myself.
Have some fun experimenting. Who knows, you might find something you like, as well!
I am a fish Fanatic...I am i am a fishaterian if that is a type of food person. I dont eat R. meat of any kid. I wont eat chicken. or pork.
Tilipia with a bit of salt EVOO and some lemon juice cook on 425 for about twenty minutes serve with rice for her and a little side of soft veggies...or whatever she digs
Halibut is also amazing. cooking time and such is pretty much similar tiliapia. a bit on the dry side..great with ketchup.
Cod can be a little on the wetter fishery side...its not my fav.
Those are my recommendations...If you wanted to do fish sticks...Ians brand has yummy ones. you can get them breaded regular or gluten/wheat free.
I don't like fish either. My daycare provider told me that my son likes smoked whitefish. I bought him some and she was right. He ate it up and I didn't have to cook it! There are a lot of bones though so you have to be careful while you pick through it.
My daughter loves fish and I started giving it to her when she was about the age of your daughter. I typically by white fish (cod, tilapia) or salmon and we typical but them on a baking sheet and bake on high heat (400-450) for how ever long the package says, being careful not to overcook (fish will continue to cook after you take it out of the oven). Sometimes I just put seasoning on them (lemon/dill is a favorite) and other times I dust in a little flour/parmasean cheese/garlic powder mixture. If you buy individually frozen filets you can make as little or much as you want. I'll bet you could even cook one or two in the toaster oven.
I think reheating is OK. Also, I lump fish sticks into the same category as chicken nuggets...OK in moderation or in a pinch, but higher in fat and not the same thing as real fish.
Good luck!!
I would fix fish about twice a week, because of the mercury concerns. I read one story where one mom was feeding her kid tuna everyday and he did get mercury poisoning. But, in moderation, it is still considered good. Here's an article that looked good http://www.babycenter.com/0_eating-safe-fish_###-###-####.bc
a good suggestion of something i love is catfish nuggets. you bread them and can bake them instead of frying them (though i pan fry mine). you could put whatever spices you want, but i tend to use the prepackaged fish breading at the store. they are so delicious. that makes me want to make them, but i'm pretty sure my fiance doesn't like them, lol.
