Seafood is a natural source of many minerals and nutrients important for healthy development, such as Omega-3, an essential ‘good’ fat that young children need to obtain via their diet. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an active ingredient in Omega-3, is vital for both normal brain and eye development, making brain cells more responsive to messages and boosting and developing the retina. Interestingly, supplementation studies have found that women taking fish oil during pregnancy give birth to babies who have sharper eyesight and grow up having a higher IQ than children from unsupplemented women.
It’s safe for babies to start eating fish from 6 months old. As well as many other varieties of fish, small prawns (like those used in prawn cocktail) are great for kids. Simply wash the prawns to remove any excess salt; then let them help themselves.
Take care:
- Smoked mackerel should not be given to children under the age of 18 months, due to the salt content.
- When preparing fish for infants, always take great care to ensure that all bones have been removed.