Can my baby eat fish sticks?

This is a question that most mothers have, at some point in life, asked themselves. Others, however, go right ahead and introduce fish fingers to their babies at any point in their young age, a decision that might lead to a sticky affair.

Feeding fish to kids has always been a contentious issue, with people divided into two main opposing groups. One group, especially the older adults, believe that a baby should only eat any fish product after at least one year. However, the newer and more modern generation believe that giving fish to babies as early as six months in their life is super beneficial.

The older generation is wary of allergic reactions since fish reactions are among the most feared, especially in babies; however, with the introduction of modern medicine, there is very little to worry about that.

So if your doctor thinks that your baby does not have any fish reactions, then it is pretty safe to introduce fish fingers to your baby as early as six months. This is because fish is hugely beneficial to your baby’s development.

Some nutrients and minerals, such as the amino acids, for instance, omega three and fatty acids that are available in fish, are magic workers, especially when cognitive development is concerned. So, can I give my baby fish sticks?

Here are several reasons why you should not even think twice before giving your baby fish fingers:

Healthy brain

Fish sticks are a product of fish, and as you can guess, they source omega-three fatty acids. The human body, mainly when young, develops a lot, and we need these nutrients for a healthy brain. Since the human body does not produce omega three on its own, it has been acquired artificially through eating fish and fish products. All types of fish offer this nutrient; however, some like oysters, herring, trout, and salmon offer much more. The omega-three fatty acids ensure a healthy brain through aiding in the development of nerves and the development of the brain itself.

Healthy heart

Omega 3 fatty acids also aid in reducing the risk of a heart attack by lowering the blood pressure and keeping heart rhythms in check. This, especially in babies, keeps strokes and the risk of sudden deaths at bay, thus guaranteeing a healthy heart.

Building immunity

Babies are at a very high risk of developing ailments, diseases, and conditions that may even lead to death. However, fish and fish products offer nutrients that have been known to strengthen a baby’s immunity and ability to fight off germs, among other disease-causing organisms. Omega 3 fatty acids have been known to enhance immune cells, especially in babies, and recently, research has shown that fish augments white blood cells, the B cells.

Alzheimer’s disease

By ensuring that a baby has sufficient levels of fatty acids, specifically, the two DHA and EPA acquired from omega-three oils in the brain, and it eliminates the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease later on when they are adults.

Dementia

Still, on the Omega 3-fatty acids, these oils have also been linked with protecting blood vessels and significantly reducing any brain inflammations. As a result, high concentrations of omega-three oils, starting from an early age, will curb any possibility of ever getting dementia.

Fish in a baby’s diet will also go a long way in helping with reducing the risk of depression, curbing other conditions like diabetes, arthritis, development of vision, and many more. It is also important to note that fish is a famous cultural icon that will, later on, serve to unite a person to a specific group of people. All these reasons make it essential to introduce fish and fish products to a baby at a young age. However, here are some of the things that you ought to bear in mind;

Mercury on the rise

Fish is a bundle of joy, packed with a lot of goodies for not just the babies but an entire generation range. However, one of the downsides of fish is mercury. This heavy metal has been found on fish for a very long time; yet, recently, higher and higher levels have been witnessed by researchers. Some types of fish have also been noted to contain even more mercury than the rest, for instance, the tunas. Mercury has been known to harm the nervous system and cause severe damage.

Other issues like allergic reactions that were already elaborated in the introduction. By consulting a doctor and looking at the family tree history on the reactions to fish and fish products, one can make an educated guess whether a baby is bound to have any allergic reactions to fish. It is also advisable to start introducing fish to a baby during the day so that if they have any reactions, then you can deal with the emergency during the day.

Otherwise, nighttime ER journeys never end very well.

Finally, your preparation tactics to the fish sticks should stand out and ensure that the product is most beneficial to your baby. Always opt to make the fish sticks in the house, fresh instead of going to get frozen ones from your local store down the street. Processed fish sticks do not offer much nutritional value to your baby compared to the homemade ones. Just find the right recipe that is specifically meant for babies and try it out. It will offer both fun and extra bonding time to you and your family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a mother, you can undoubtedly approximate the appropriate amount of fish sticks that you can give to your baby in one sitting. It is recommendable that you give two of these fish sticks to your baby once in a week to prevent overfeeding fish to the baby. However, to be on the safe side, your doctor can give you a more precise recommendation. In case your baby develops any swellings, a rash, or uncontrollable vomiting, especially after eating fish, please see the doctor immediately.