As we pointed out in the introduction to fish issues, there is no single criterion for determining when fish can be added to the complementary feeding of the baby.
But in what there was more consensus is that white fish is introduced before blue fish, by 9 or 10 months of age according to the AEP.
This is because white fish meat is less fat (not exceeding 2%) and more easily digestible. Therefore, it can begin to be introduced progressively in the baby's diet, starting with a small amount and alternating with meat and vegetable porridge.
As we can see, the name "white" or "blue" does not meet biological criteria, but nutritional ones (although the external coloration of fatty fish usually has bluish tones, while lean ones are silver, whites).
Let's see carefully what are white fish and what is the best choice and preparation for baby food.
What are white fish?
Exists great variety of white fish, and each fishing area provides its own varieties, so it is recommended to choose the most common in our market, to which parents are accustomed and will also be cheaper than other rare or distant species.
The term "white fish" is used to distinguish fish of oceanic origin with dorsal fin, unlike blue fish, which we will discuss in a next entry.
The main benefit of white fish is that it contains few fats and calories, and lots of protein. These properties are what make it a highly recommended food for babies and children. Its lean meat is easily digested and provides multiple health benefits. All white fish contain a high nutritional value and are rich in B vitamins.
Examples of white fish they are: hake, whiting, flounder, rooster, chicken or chicken, monkfish, pout, maruca, cabracho (scorpion or scratch)…
He too fresh cod (but not in salting, as this is considered, at the nutritional level, a blue fish, since the salting process increases its fat concentration considerably). Although cod is usually a fish of the most allergenic, so it is recommended to start with other milder varieties, such as hake, whiting or sole.
With respect to turbot and conger, there are classifications that include them among white fish and others among blue ones. When in doubt, better leave them for later introduction into the diet, as if they were blue. The great variety of white fish will not pose any difficulty when choosing other species.
How to prepare white fish
The best way to cook white fish for the baby from 9 or 10 months is steamed, baked or roasted, without salt. As the amount we offer should not be very high, especially at the beginning (about 50-70 grams), it is best to prepare the fish in the vegetable porridge or with a vegetable stock.
Fish can be part of the midday meal or it can be given at snack or dinner, alternating with meat purees, as long as it does not move to dairy and fruits.
Many of these fish are sold whole, although in the fish market or we can separate the fillets that do not carry thorns (or at least with less risk of carrying them, we always have to check and shred the fish meat).
If we buy fresh fish, we have to make sure that the eyes are bright and not sunken, that the skin is bright, firm and slippery and that the smell that it gives off is pleasant. The fish deteriorates rapidly, so if it is not going to be consumed within 24 hours, it is best to freeze it.
Frozen fish has the same properties as fresh, and much is sold in fillets. The loins are quite clean with thorns, yet you have to check them.
To the porridge we can add before the baby takes a tablespoon of raw olive oil, and we will not add salt until after the year of age.
Little by little the baby will appreciate its taste, although it may cost a little at first (there are babies who accept it without problems). The important thing is to start with few quantities and see if there is any adverse reaction.
The baby will take it in many different ways, passing the mash to the pieces immediately (it is very suitable for being so soft, even when starting to give it at nine months it is no longer necessary to crush it so much).
In this way white fish is a healthy food that will be part of the baby's usual diet And of the whole family. In the next post we will talk about blue fish.
Photos | jlastras and e_calamar on Flickr In Babies and more | Complementary feeding: the fish, Tricks so that the children enjoy the fish, The fish in the infantile feeding
