Fish for Baby Food Recipes -
Age for Introducing Fish to Baby: 10-12 Months
The Goodness of Fish:
Fish (Haddock - portion size 3 ounces (a wee bit less than 1/2 cup) - baked)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 54 I.U.
Vitamin C - 0
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .03 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .03 mg
Niacin - 3.9 mg
Folate - 11 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS:
Potassium - 339 mg
Phosphorus - 205 mg
Magnesium - .03 mg
Calcium - 36 mg
Sodium - 74 mg
Iron - 1.5 mg
Also contains small amounts of manganese, copper and zinc.
PROTEIN:
Protein - 20 grams - WOW!
When can I introduce Fish to my baby?
As we mention in our Introducing Fish to Baby page, the age for introducing fish to babies varies. Many sources suggest waiting until after 3 years old however this applies mostly to shellfish. Other sources say that introducing fish to a baby at 9-10 months old is perfectly safe. The type of fish you would choose for baby would be the "white" fish such as Flounder, Sole, Cod, Haddock etc.
How to select and store Fish for baby food recipes:
When purchasing fish to make in baby food recipes, be sure to purchase fish that is fresh whenever possible. The "white" fish should look firm and may have a bit of tan or pinkish near the "inside" of the filet. These colors are natural to the "insides" of the fish. As the FDA notes:
Whole fish and fillets should have firm and shiny flesh. Dull flesh may mean the fish is old. Fresh whole fish also should have bright red gills free from slime.
If the flesh doesn't spring back when pressed, the fish isn't fresh. Ask the seller to press on the fish for you and watch for the spring-back!
The fish should smell fresh and mild, not fishy or ammonia-like.
Storing Fish & Seafood
Courtesy of Alaska Seafoods
Seafood storage: Store all fish and shellfish in the refrigerator
or freezer. Live shellfish should have ventilated containers.
Do not store live shellfish in water. Use as quickly as
possible and discard all dead animals (shells do not open
after cooking) and any with broken shells. Live crabs, lobsters,
and crayfish move their legs. Do not cook or eat any
dead shellfish.
Raw seafood to be cooked: When preparing raw seafood at home, first wash your hands with soap and
water. Then, be sure that no cutting board, wrap, utensils,
or containers used for raw seafood comes in contact with the
cooked item. Viruses and bacteria can easily transfer to the
cooked food and provide an opportunity for illness. Thoroughly scrub all materials that have touched raw
seafood.
Frozen seafood: Thaw frozen seafood in the refrigerator
or under cold running water. Do not thaw at room temperature
or in warm water. Doing so will enable bacteria to
grow. When possible, cook frozen fish and shellfish directly
in the frozen state.
The best way to cook Fish for Baby Food Recipes:
Fish may be poached, broiled or baked. Baking will help the fish maintain more nutrients and is always recommended as the best way to cook fish. Poaching fish is a great way to prepare fish for baby! Poaching fish for fish baby food recipes will allow you to create yummy fish dishes that are flavorful and exciting for baby's tastebuds!
Ensure that the fish you will be using in your fish baby food recipes is thoroughly de-boned!
A Few Fish Baby Food Recipes:
Fish Baby Food Recipes - Poached Filet of Fish
Consider poaching fish baby food recipes using a Homemade Stock for extra flavor!
1 pound filet of Haddock or Cod
1 cup of water
or enough water to slightly cover the fish
Bring water to simmer in a small frying pan or pot round enough to lay the fish flat.
Pat filet dry with a paper towel.
Poach (a fancy way of saying simmer!) the fish until it turns totally white.
Remove from heat and let the fish sit for 5 minutes more to complete cooking
Chop, crumble or even mash or puree the poached fish and serve.
Fish Baby Food Recipes - Seasoned Poached Filet of Fish
1 pound filet of Haddock or Cod
1 1/2 cup of water
1 small carrot - peeled and diced thinly into "coins"
1/2 small onion - diced fine
pepper, garlic powder, basil to taste (if desired)
Add veggies & spices to the pot or pan. Bring to simmer in a small frying pan or pot round enough to lay the fish flat.
Pat filet dry with a paper towel.
Poach (a fancy way of saying simmer!) the fish until it turns totally white and will flake easily with a fork.
Veggies should be soft and tender
Chop, crumble or even mash or puree the poached fish and serve.
Fish Mince Baby Food Recipe
1 pound filet of Haddock or Cod
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup ground flax or wheat germ
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup apple juice or water
pepper, garlic, lemon zest, parsley
Pat filet dry with a paper towel and then mince with a fork
Combine fish with the rest of the ingredients and mix well. The mix should be damp but not wet.
Bake at 350F until fish is done and mix is a bit bubbly. Serve warm. You may also make these into fish sticks/fingers if desired
For More Fish Baby Food Recipes, Check Out Fish Baby Food Recipes - Older babies
Some Foods Good to Mix With Fish
Apples
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Green Beans
Peas
Sweet Potato
White Potato
Barley
Lentils
Pasta
Rice
