When is it OK to introduce a toddler to sushi?

Question

My baby is not yet ready but when it is time, I will be taking him to my favorite sushi resturant. He is 10 months old now. Should I only let him eat cooked fish? Or is it OK to let him have the same things I eat?

Please, give me mature advice only.

I know he is NOT ready now, I wish some of you would really READ the question. It was the first thing I wrote in the details.

Answer 1

I would believe that it should be okay for your child to eat at least the cooked sushi, I know when I was little I was fed sushi, not sure if it was raw. But it's a great idea to introduce new foods to your children when they are small (but they should be able to eat solid food). My younger cousin's (about ages 2-11) have all started eating Japanese food when they were younger. It might have been a little rice here, some cooked eel there, they tried anything that could be cut up in little pieces on them. If you do decide to go raw, then try a little bit at a time and always start with cooked fish first. Good luck

Answer 2

Little systems will not have developed the same kind of tolerances to food-borne illness that you have.

That said, the quality of most sushi is very good and this isn't really an issue in good restaurants.

You might start with some of the cooked varieties (shrimp, eel, etc.,) and allow a little time for the more exotic fare. Besides, a toddler's palate is geared more towards bland and simple fare... the subtleties of sushi would probably be underappreciated at least!

Best wishes!

Answer 3

I would say no- based on the fact that my SIL was feeding my nephew, shrimp (cooked) from the time that he could barely chew, and he loved it. Her pediatrician was adamant that he not be fed shrimp or other shellfish. I don't remember what the reason was, or when the restriction would be lifted (he's almost 3 now) so I doubt sushi- since it is raw, would be recommended, if your doctor follows the same logic as my nephews doctor- who was against cooked shrimp. Again, I don't know why this was recommended or if it's a conservative approach, but best to ask you dr. Now that I think of it, it may have something to do with baby's immune systems not being fully developed.....and seafood may present issues with that.

Answer 4

Honestly, I would ask the doctor. There have been a lot more interest/research in the amount of mercury in fish. I am not sure of the age to begin introducing meats, probably once your child has developed teeth. But, I have been feeding my children solid foods, before the doctor recommended age.My son had a taste of my california rolls before age 2. My family traditions were different, but I believe the raw fish would be the only concern. And the amount of he/she is being introduced...

Answer 5

Not a good idea, just the cooked stuff. Children before the age of 5 aren't even supposed to eat canned tuna let alone raw fish. If the baby does get food poisoning from seafood, they can get seriously ill.

Answer 6

I say only give him cooked sushi like California and eel. I would also talk to a doctor.

Answer 7

I don't see why you couldn't feed him sushi when he starts eating solid foods. Alot of sushi isn't raw, it's smoked or cured in lemon juice. You could just start him on the maki (vegetable) sushi, and california rolls. i was eating (and loving) oysters on the half shell when i was about 2...YUM!

Answer 8

When you child begins to eat food of the same consistency provided by sushi. Good idea too. Its healthy, natural, nutritious, and easy to digest.

Answer 9

What until the baby is at least a year old, and maybe a few months old. Then you can ask you doctor and get allergy tests to make sure that your baby isnt allergic to fish.

Answer 10

Well you shouldn't feed him sushi when he is 10 months old. You should wait. Maybe when they are 8 years of age... I really don't know but not when they are 10 months old!