Seafood is a healthy source of key nutrients, such as protein, but should be approached with caution when it comes to feeding it to your baby. According to BabyCenter, shellfish and fish are among the top allergenic foods, and your baby might have a reaction if food allergies run in your family. Always ask your baby's pediatrician before offering seafood or calamari to be sure it is safe for your little one.
Nutrients
Seafood is a healthy way to increase your infant's intake of certain vitamins and minerals. Many types of seafood are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote healthy brain and nerve function. Seafood also contains calcium, which your baby needs for strong bones, and small amounts of vitamin D, which helps your infant's body absorb calcium. Your little one also gets a healthy dose of potassium, magnesium, iodine, iron, zinc and riboflavin when he eats a serving of seafood or calamari.
Allergy
Because seafood is a top cause of food allergies, always ask your baby's doctor before serving him any type of fish, seafood or calamari, particularly if seafood allergies run in your family. You can begin introducing seafood, including most types of fish and calamari, into your infant's diet when he reaches 6 months of age. Watch for signs of an allergy each time you offer a new type of seafood to your infant. Symptoms of a food allergy include swelling, rash, wheezing, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. A severe reaction can cause difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if your baby has any of these symptoms after eating seafood or calamari.
Mercury
The mercury content of certain types of fish and seafood is a concern when feeding your baby. High levels of mercury can damage your baby's brain and nerve development. Do not serve your infant shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they are the types with the highest levels of mercury. Instead, offer your baby herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, salmon, sardines and whitefish, which are among the choices lowest in mercury. Calamari is another low-mercury choice. Scallops, shrimp and crab are also low in mercury.
Recommendations
Serve your infant one type of seafood at a time. If he has a reaction, this will enable you to identify which type of seafood caused it. Always puree your baby's seafood until smooth or shred it into tiny pieces to help prevent your baby from choking. If your baby does not like the taste of seafood or calamari, try combining it with pureed vegetables, fruits, breast milk or formula to help encourage him to try it again. Cook your baby's seafood and calamari thoroughly to help prevent food poisoning. Undercooked seafood can cause foodborne illnesses.
