Can my baby eat Tuna

Is tuna healthy for children?

Fresh tuna can be added to your baby's diet from the age of 2 years old. Tuna is a high-mercury fish, which means it contains high levels of this toxic heavy metal, to which babies are most vulnerable. To add to that, tuna is overfished and not a sustainable fish to eat. For those reasons, we advise not to serve tuna under the age of 2 years. If you want to serve tuna after your child has turned 2, do so in moderation. Tuna is a good source of vitamins B12 and D and also of some essential minerals like iron and selenium, which makes it, despite the mercury levels, a nutritious source of protein.

Canned vs. fresh tuna

The same advice goes for canned tuna. Try to go for canned tuna with the lowest amount of mercury and look for cans that don't contain BPA (Bisphenol A), a chemical used on the inside of many cans. You can choose natural tuna or tuna in oil, both are ok.

How to serve tuna

Never serve raw tuna before the age of 5 years old. Also refrain from serving cured tuna, since that has a very high sodium content. You can serve cooked tuna (oven baked or pan fried are good cooking methods) or you can make a tuna salad.