When Can Babies Eat Fish Sticks?

When can babies eat fish sticks?

Fish sticks may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. While fish sticks are typically high in sodium, an occasional taste is fine as long as they are modified to reduce choking risk. Remove any crunchy coating, which is crispy and challenging to bite and chew, qualities that increase the risk of choking. If the coating is soft, the risk is low, although you can scrape off the coating if you prefer. The fish stick can be flaked or mashed into porridge or vegetables for baby to scoop. Once baby shows signs of a developing pincer grasp (where the thumb and pointer finger meet), flake the fish sticks (crunchy coating removed) into bite-sized pieces for the child to practice picking up. You can offer a whole fish stick with the coating once the child has plenty of practice chewing and managing crispy foods. Some toddlers may be ready around the 2nd birthday, while others will need more time to practice. Once you feel the toddler has gained these more mature eating skills and they are able to sit calmly and follow directions, offer a whole fish stick and explain how to eat it by modeling how it's done. Consider chewing slowly with your mouth open as you show how to use your teeth to break down the food, then offer one for the toddler to try.

★ Tip: Worried about sodium? Remember: the amount of sodium that babies eat tends to be low as they learn the skills to feed themselves, and some sodium in the diet helps support baby’s electrolyte balance, hydration, and movement. Food with a little sodium is fine as part of a balanced diet. Learn more about sodium in food for babies.

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