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The period where babies start to eat solid foods can be quite confusing for some parents. Parents might get into the dilemma of not knowing the right food to feed their babies. However, as known that all solid foods have their own components that can either benefit or harm babies, it’s vital to ask questions about them. A common example of questions parents usually ask about solid foods is “Can babies eat fish fingers?”
Fish fingers are made from white fish dipped in several ingredients to add to its taste. Many babies love to eat fish fingers because they serve well as a finger snack. However, children from the age of 6 months are okay to eat fish fingers since that’s the age they start to eat solid foods. Eating fish fingers will expose your baby to numerous benefits that’ll aid her growth and development. However, there are some processed fish fingers that aren’t safe for your baby’s consumption because they contain some ingredients that might have adverse effects on babies.
Nevertheless, fish fingers contain vitamins, minerals, and omega-three fatty acids that’ll increase your baby’s growth and development. Some of the ingredients of fish fingers are responsible for babies’ cognitive development; hence, Can babies eat fish fingers? Well, you should see the other benefits of fish fingers on your baby.
Benefits of Fish Fingers On Babies
1) The primary ingredients of fish fingers are whitefish, and whitefish contains Omega three fatty acid, which is responsible for healthy brain and nerve development in babies. Examples of whitefish include; salmon, trout, herring, etc.
2) The fatty acid in fish fingers is responsible for reducing the risk of heart diseases and strokes and reduces the risk of sudden deaths in Babies.
3) Eating fish fingers will help babies build their immune system and strong against any infections or diseases.
4) Fish fingers will reduce the risk of depression; its components work well to make sure depression doesn’t get to babies.
5) Lastly, feeding your baby fish fingers will lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
However, it’s necessary to know some of the cons of eating Fish fingers. Don’t be surprised! Almost everything that has advantages has disadvantages; thus, see some of the cons of giving your baby fish fingers below.
Cons of feeding your baby fish fingers
1) Almost all fish contains mercury. Mercury is an element in fish, but its content differs from one fish to another. However, Mercury in fish can lead to nerve damage in babies. Some of the fish with high mercury content include; tunas, sharks, etc.
2) Processed fish fingers contain several nutrients that don’t continue the development of your baby. Therefore, it’s vital to stay away from proceeded fish fingers.
3) Fish fingers can cause some allergic reactions like rashes and vomiting in your baby if she’s allergic to fish.
Again, processed fish fingers don’t contain beneficial nutrients for your baby. They are made with fish and dipped in several additives and flavorings to increase their shelf life. Thus, it’s imperative that you feed your baby fresh fish fingers to reap the full benefits, so you can make your own fish fingers to feed your baby. For instance, you can use the below recipe to make your own fish fingers snacks for your baby.
Fish fingers recipe
Get your fish fingers and dip it in ginger plus garlic paste, black pepper, chili flakes, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt- leave for about 10-15 minutes. Then, mix all-purpose flour, rice flour, egg, baking soda, and cornflour in one bowl, and add the fish mixture; leave for another 10-15 minutes. After that, get toasted breadcrumbs and coat the fish fingers with them. Proceed to prepare the oven for baking; you can use the olive oil to rub the baking sheet.
Put the fish fingers coated breadcrumbs in it and place in the oven. It’s better to oven cook than to deep fry. Bake for about 15 minutes and turn for even cooking. In case you need cooking spray, it’s okay to add it.
Furthermore, there are some things you should take notice of while making your fish fingers.
1) Make sure you choose the fish that has low mercury content and avoid those with high mercury content like king mackerel, shark, swordfish, etc.
2) Use fresh fish and nothing else. That’s to be sure that your baby will eat fresh and untainted food.
3) Get a mild fish in flavor so that your baby will get used to the flavor before going for sharper flavors. Salmon is a good example of fish with a mild flavor.
4) While making your fish fingers, be sure to remove all the fish bones properly. That’s to ensure that your baby doesn’t choke on the fish.
5) Make sure the fish fingers are thoroughly coated with both the ingredients and breadcrumbs.
Nevertheless, Can Babies Eat fish fingers? The answer to this question depends on what you decide to feed your baby. As said, some processed fish fingers contain high sodium meaning high salt content that can cause damages to your baby’s kidney, so fish fingers should be given in a limited amount.
Research has shown that you should give your baby two fish fingers in a week for her to reap the benefits of the snack. However, you must know that it’s advisable to use homemade fish fingers and not process fish fingers with several additives and preservatives.
Can Babies Eat fish fingers?
Fish are part of the solid food that most parents feel vital to incorporate into their baby’s diet during the solid food phase. However, there are fish fingers that act as snacks for both young and old. But some parents still ask, “can babies eat fish fingers?” The question is quite logical as it’s better to be safe than sorry. Fish fingers are amazing snacks that are quite suitable for babies, although some things are attached to them. To know the answer to the question, read the above article.
