Too Young to Try Tuna Fish?

after age 1 there are no restrictions any more, so go right ahead. The recommendations are only one serving a week though, so variety is the key.

I heard a podcast just last week about how sardines are a great, healthy alternative. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1064... Haven't tried it on a sandwich, but maybe I will one of these days.

I really liked tuna, but between the mercury and the dolphin thing, we don't eat it much any more. You can also google for "low-mercury tuna" for brands that are more sustainable than the supermarket brands.

I am not a fan of tuna due to the mercury content. I work in a lab and we test for mercury, I can tell you that it lingers in your body. Mercury can accumulate and cause health issues, does that happen to everyone? No, our bodies are all different and process toxins in different ways. The content is low but your talking about a little person, do we really know how their little bodies are processing these toxins?

If there are restrictions to tuna when pregnant there must be reasons for that.

There are so many other foods and fishes to try. Do some reading on tuna and mercury and decide what you think.

Hi A. your one year old isn't to young to eat tuna fish. In fact, it's good for him. If he likes it, than give it to him.

Hi A.,

My doc ok'd one serving a week is ok with my daughter who is 11months. She is a savory person, so she enjoyed the light version of tuna caserole I made. If you're unsure maybe double check with your doc too.

Hi A.. I personally DID give all my kids fish of all kinds around their first birthday. At that point we didn't know about any food allergies in either side of the family, so our pedi felt it was safe. We've had no problems with that (though my youngest has a laundry list of other food/etc.allergies - go figure!) Tuna seems to be one of the lower allergenic fish. You can also fix tilapia, pollock, etc. Good luck! Feel free to pm me if you have any more questions. - J.

I don't know a lot about allergies, etc- we never had to worry too much about that, but the chunk light tuna is lower in mercury than the white or albacore tuna, so try the light tuna if you do try it. That's the cheaper one too. Tuna steaks are from the higher mercury type of fish, so maybe hold off on that for a little while (I think kids are less likely to like those anyway). I agree about the tilapia suggestion too. My kids love it. There are some great kid friendly recipes out there.

I have been giving my son tuna & salmon since he was one. Maybe even a little earlier. Just be sure to choose the Chunk Light Tuna (if you are doing canned) as it has the least amount of mercury. And don't serve it more than twice a week...again for the mercury.

our pediatrician ok'd no more than one serving of tuna a week. my oldest had it a few times after she turned one. she didn't really like it, though. i thought for sure she'd love tuna salad sandwiches but she prefers chicken salad.

good luck!

I'm not exactly sure but I would think you wouldn't want to expose your son to mercury yet but I am not doctor so the best thing to do is ask your pediatrician if you are unsure.

I totally agree, 1 yr is too young to take a risk of mercury exposure. Even though the levels in a regular can of tuna are low, he is still really young and developing. You might want to try making Tilapia. My daughter loves it, it is one of the good fish and is on the list of fish that is not over-farmed or whatever the list is called (environmentally friendly). You can bake, grill or fry it with a little seasoning.

Too young. I would wait 6 months or a year. :)