It is possible to start implementing the stage of food diversification as soon as your baby reaches the age of six months, but this does not imply that you must introduce all foods at the same time. On the contrary, you should introduce new foods slowly and allow your baby’s stomach to become acclimated to each new ingredient before continuing.
And, while the majority of parents opt for low-fat meats such as chicken or turkey to begin with, they forget that fish is essential for a child’s healthy growth and development. For those who have decided to incorporate fish into your toddler’s daily diet but are unsure of the best recipes to use, the following suggestions may be of assistance to you:
Fish soup
When it comes to food, toddlers are less picky than young children, so it is best to take advantage of this time period and introduce your child to fish dishes. Despite the fact that it is very light, the fish soup is extremely nutritious, providing a well-balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Don’t be concerned; this dish is simple to prepare and won’t necessitate the use of your new fishing knife in the process. To make this dish, you’ll need a few different types of fish fillets that have been carefully selected so that there are no skins or bones mixed in with the rest of the ingredients.
We recommend that you use carp or trout instead of seafood because seafood can cause allergic reactions or skin reactions in some people. Mix in a medium-sized carrot, two diced tomatoes, the noodles, scallions, and a small potato until everything is evenly distributed.
In a large bowl of boiling water, combine all of the ingredients and cook for 40-50 minutes, or until the fish is tender and juicy and the rest of the vegetables are easy to cut and eat as a side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of salt before serving.
Avoid using processed ingredients or spices such as chili flakes, soy sauce, and even pepper because we are talking about toddler-appropriate food. Any of these ingredients has the potential to be harmful to your toddler’s well-being.
Fish meatballs
In as long as you use high-quality, organic ingredients, fish meatballs can serve as a safe alternative to meatballs in your child’s diet. Fillets of white fish are processed in a food processor along with zucchini, potatoes, and carrots to create a paste that is easy to digest. Form the paste into small meatballs and fry them for a few minutes in hot oil until they are cooked through. Allow them to cool completely before wiping away any excess oil with paper towels.
Maintain constant supervision whenever you are feeding your toddler. Make sure the meatballs are not too large so that they can become choking hazards. Always keep a glass of water close by in case something unexpected happens to you.
And, if you’re still not sure about the size of the meatballs, you might want to make them the regular size so that they can be cut into smaller pieces later on in the process.
Fish Pate
One of the most straightforward methods of incorporating fish into your toddler’s diet is to prepare a dish that is extremely easy to digest for him or her. We recommend that you use fresh salmon, tuna, or trout for this particular dish. Look for your fish skinner and use it to remove all of the skin and bones from your catch of the day.
Bake it in the oven for at least 30 minutes to get the best results. Before putting it into the food processor, check to see that it has been properly cooked. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, as well as a few tablespoons of chicken broth to thicken the finished product if desired.
If you want to make fancier recipes that adults will enjoy as well, you can also include ingredients such as lemon juice, fennel, olives, and cheese. Allow the paste to rest in the refrigerator for a couple of hours after it has been prepared. Make sure to consume it all within a few hours, as fish can oxidize if not stored in proper conditions for an extended period of time.
The fish pate is delicious served with garlic bread or small slices of garlic bread, crackers, and other pastries and snacks. A light breakfast dish that can be seasoned with fresh cucumbers or green bell peppers, this dish is perfect for any time of day. Additionally, you can use the pate to stuff tomatoes, avocados, and eggs to create delicious entrees for your child’s birthday parties.
Please remember that not all children will end up liking the same foods, so it is best not to force your child to eat anything he or she does not want to eat.