What to do About Protein in Your Child's Diet and Introducing Fish

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My child is almost 12 months old. When can she start eating fish? What kind is good for her? She does not want to eat baby food any longer, but I am concerned that she's not getting enough protein in her diet. How can I include protein when she still hasn't mastered the skills of chewing her food?

Infants require very little protein. About 14 grams per day is sufficient for a one-year-old, whereas adults may need about 50 grams per day. Protein requirements can vary greatly from person to person based on activity, gender and metabolism. For those under a year old, breast milk or formula is the primary source of protein. Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, meat, fish and soy protein are considered good protein sources for children older than 12 months. (REMEMBER: do not feed eggs to infants under one year.)

As far as fish is concerned, soft fish without bones, such as salmon, whitefish, trout and bass, can safely be introduced after a child reaches 12 months of age. However, due to concerns about mercury levels in fish, the FDA recommends that pregnant women and women of childbearing age avoid consumption of shark, mackerel, swordfish and tilefish. Other persons, including children and nursing mothers, should limit consumption of shark and swordfish to no more than seven ounces per week (about one serving). For other types of fish, including tuna, the FDA advises that consumption by children and pregnant women be kept below 12 ounces per week. In some areas of the United States, certain fresh water species have higher levels of mercury and other contaminants (like PCBs) that may contribute to higher mercury intakes. Check your state's fish consumption advisories on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website for details (http://www.epa.gov/OST/fish/).

Avoiding the fish mentioned above and offering a variety of fish on occasion to children can be an excellent source of protein.