Can a child have shrimp? Shrimps - an allergen or not for children? Shrimp Recipes for Kids

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

It's no secret that shrimp contains a special composition of proteins, which contributes to rapid absorption. They have a spicy taste and are extremely beneficial to the human body. But before introducing your baby to such a delicacy, every mother asks herself the question: when can children eat shrimp. Today in the article we will talk about the role of the product in the diet of children. We will discuss whether a child can have shrimp, at what age it is advisable to offer them to babies, and also offer delicious recipes, after trying which, the baby will ask for more.

About the benefits

According to nutritionists, shrimp are a low-calorie product and contain a whole range of amino acids important for humans. It is believed that most of the vitamins and minerals are contained in their entrails. In addition to being delicious and savory, this product is also extremely he althy:

• vitamin Dis an important substance, especially in the first years of the baby and is necessary as a prevention of rickets;
• vitamin B complex improves the condition of nails, hair and skin, and also has a positive effect on the nervous system, and helps to increase the absorption of iron;
• chitin contained in shrimp, resembling vegetable fiber in its structure, cleanses the body of toxins and helps to cope with constipation;
• rich in vitamin A product strengthens bones, normalizes metabolism;
• The iodine contained in shrimp ensures the proper functioning of the thyroid gland;
• zinc improves immunity, improves brain activity, the condition of the organs of vision and skin;
• calcium is responsible for the development of the skeletal system and teeth, and sulfur has a positive effect on the activity of the nervous system and muscle growth;
• content of a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids helps to increase the tone of blood vessels, and also helps to reduce the likelihood of disorders in the cardiovascular system.

Possible harm

Despite the fact that there are numerous useful substances in such a product, they can also cause serious harm to the child. One of the main disadvantages of almost all seafood is the content of a relatively high level of mercury - a toxic metal that slows down the development of the brain of babies. In this regard, the total number of seafood dishes for children under two years of age should be limited to two meals per day.week. Raw and undercooked shrimp is not recommended for young children as it may contain bacteria that cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Shrimp allergy

Are shrimp an allergen for children or not? Pediatricians believe that the child's acquaintance with seafood should be postponed to a later date, in order to avoid food allergies. It appears quite quickly after eating and has the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing (strong wheezing);
• abdominal cramps;
• cyanosis;
• itch;
• vomit;
• bloating;
• nausea;
• swelling of the face and other parts of the body;
• diarrhea;
• increased weakness.

Any of the above symptoms should promptly see your doctor.

When should I refuse?

Every mother wants to surprise her baby with a new delicacy for him, so it is important to know if a child can have shrimp. Despite the huge complex of minerals and vitamins contained in shrimp, you should not include them in the diet of a child under three years old. The thing is that such a product is imported, so the likelihood of individual intolerance and allergies is several times higher.

Pediatricians advise eliminating shrimp from the diet or taking extra care in the following cases:

• if the child suffered from eczema, hay fever or asthma;
• discovered food allergy propensity;
• when blood relatives have hypersensitivity to seafood.

It is worth considering that the high content of iodine, which is so rich in shrimp, can cause thyroid goiter, as well as shortness of breath. The use of sea food in unlimited quantities can lead to disruption of the kidneys. Among other things, this can adversely affect the work of the central nervous system of the baby.

At what age can children eat shrimp?

When asked if children can have shrimp, all pediatricians answer differently. But still, their opinion agrees on one thing: experts do not recommend offering them to children under three years old. Starting from this age, the child can include shrimp in the diet, but not more than one gram per day. After that, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the baby for three days and observe any deviation: shortness of breath, cough, runny nose, loose stools, skin rash, especially in the cheeks, elbows, knees and other parts of the body.

Until the age of five, the baby is not recommended to give more than 50 grams of shrimp at a time. Closer to six years, the child can increase the serving to 80 grams. It is permissible for small children to eat shrimp only once a week. When cooking, it is recommended to refrain from an excessive amount of spices, and you can replace them with sour cream sauce or lemon juice. This will not only help to avoid a possible negative reaction, but also slightly reduce the specifica smell that is not particularly attractive to babies.

Basic rules for meeting shrimp

When introducing a new product into the diet, it is advisable to follow some rules.

1. First, discuss this issue with your doctor, who should confirm the absence of contraindications.
2. Offer the baby one boiled shrimp, take a break for three days and observe his condition during this period. To be sure of sufficient heat treatment and freshness of the product, the acquaintance should be carried out at home, and not in a catering establishment.
3. If the crumbs did not show negative consequences after eating shrimp, then occasionally this product can be added to the children's menu.
4. In no case should you combine seafood that is still unfamiliar to a child, such as mussels, shrimps, crabs, octopuses and more.
5. Before serving, the product must be well thermally processed. Cook frozen preferably at least five minutes. A very common question is how long to cook boiled-frozen shrimp. The product in this form is often considered ready-made, and it should be cooked for no longer than three minutes.

Shrimp recipes for kids

Shrimp is an extremely useful product, but not everyone knows how to cook it. We offer you to get acquainted with the options of interesting dishes from seafood.

Shrimp soup

Ingredients:

• shrimps - 200 g;
• tomato - 3 pcs;
• bow- 1 piece;
• basil, garlic - to taste;
• white bread;
• olive oil.

Cooking:

1. Chop garlic, basil and onion and fry in olive oil.
2. Move the workpiece into the pan, add a small amount of water.
3. Cut the tomatoes into cubes and add to the common pan.
4. Cook the contents for about 15 minutes.
5. Mode with slices of bread, and dip them into the future soup.
6. Stir occasionally until contents thicken.
7. Place the shrimp in boiling water and cook for one minute, then drain the water.
8. Before serving, add peeled shrimp to the soup.

Pumpkin with shrimps

Ingredients:

• peeled shrimp - 500g;
• pumpkin pulp - 500 g;
• onion - 1 pc.;
• processed cheese - 70 g;
• apple - 1 piece;
• cream - 100 ml;
• vegetable oil;
• s alt to taste.

Cooking:

1. The pumpkin should be cut into cubes and placed in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for 30 minutes.
2. Grate cheese, apple and onion on a coarse grater.
3. Fry onion in vegetable oil, then add cheese, shrimp.
4. Pour the contents with cream, s alt to taste and simmer for about five minutes.
5. Add baked pumpkin and grated apple, mix everything thoroughly and continue simmering for about three more minutes.
6. You can add sour cream before serving.

Talking about whethershrimp for a child, it is worth noting that there is no need to refuse them, if there are no medical prescriptions. But still, you should not lose vigilance at first.