Fish offers protein, vitamin D and often omega-3 fatty acids without much saturated fat, but many water dwellers have high levels of mercury in them. Fish is a healthy component to a toddler's diet when eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish are not recommended for young children because of the higher mercury levels. Balance your toddler's fish consumption to give her the benefits without the health risks.
Fish to Avoid
The fish with the highest levels of mercury are usually king mackerel, tilefish, shark and swordfish. Never serve these types of fish to a toddler. High levels of mercury impair brain development in young children, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other effects include coordination difficulty, muscle weakness and hearing impairments. Other types of fish are likely to contain contaminants beyond mercury. These fish types that are better left off your toddler's plate include farmed salmon, tuna steak, Atlantic halibut, blue marlin, orange roughy, red snapper and grouper.
Recommended Fish
Wild Alaskan salmon, pollack and tilapia are generally considered safe for toddlers. Pollack is the type of fish most commonly used in fish sticks and similar toddler-friendly fish products. If you want to serve your toddler tuna, stick with the canned chunk light version instead of the albacore version. Albacore tuna contains higher levels of mercury since it is a larger type of tuna. Use caution when offering your child other types of seafood, including shellfish, as they often cause allergic reactions. Other safe forms of seafood for toddlers include shrimp, bay scallops, crayfish and blue mussels.
Serving Amounts
A child's serving size of fish is smaller than an adult's serving. A piece of fish between 1 and 3 oz. is enough for a toddler. Limit your toddler's fish consumption to no more than three servings each week. This limits the potential exposure to mercury.
Tips
When feeding your toddler fish, watch for signs of allergic reaction. The reactions range from rash, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea to more serious effects like swelling in the face and breathing difficulties. Waiting three or more days between new foods allows you to fully assess the presence of an allergic reaction. Choking is also a concern if the fish contains bones. Cut the fish into small pieces and look for small pieces of bone before serving your toddler.
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