Hello!

I have a severe allergy to seafood (specifically shell fish). I’ve never given my children seafood for fear of them having my allergy. Coming up to Christmas, there’s usually seafood around. How old should they be before I let them try it?


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  • I started giving my kids seafood only fish and only small portion when they were like 3 years old


  • I believe Fish, including shellfish, can be part of your child’s diet soon after they begin to eat solid foods, usually around 6 months old.


  • No seafood here in the house and I’ve never given my children seafood either


  • I gave at around 7 months time and increase amount as we go.


  • Have you taken them to the doctor to get a test? Probably best to get it done this way instead of trying at home in case they have a really severe reaction you won’t have to rush them to hospital.
    I just gave both my little ones seafood when they were over 6 months and having solids.


  • How did you go with this? Just interested to find out as I have a friend in a similar position as you with her kids.


  • I would suggest that you let them try seafood at the same age they start trying chicken or mince meat. Because of your allergy concerns, I would make sure you only give them a tiny amount, say half a teaspoon the first time. Keep an eye out for any reaction. I would also try it at a time when you can get them to a doctor quickly if there is any reaction.


  • i would say over one year old due to the fact that you can start giving them milk and peanuts etc. but check it out to be sure.


  • my kids love their seafood anything from fish to prawns and calamari, they eat tuna by the tin all the time.
    But with your kids having a mum with a allergy to it. I would make it clear to others serving food at family celebrations of the reasons why you need to know whats given to the child and when so you can monitor whats given and when incase they do have a reaction. I exposed my kids to seafood of all different kinds at a young age in small doses.


  • My daughter doesn’t like seafood ( except for some fish ) and my son had been spoilt and we introduced seafood mainly fish and prawns when he was about 4-5 years old only because if we ate it in front of him we would feel extremely guilty in not giving him some. Maybe just give the childhood nurse a call as I think everyone is different and if you have allergies in the family be extra careful.


  • Just to be on the safe side, perhaps get it checked out from your GP and explain your situation. In the meantime , maybe separate the foods and only serve it to the ones that you know are not allergic to it . Its a hard one .


  • Introduce as with other meats and solids at a young age – that’s what we did.


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