When to feed baby shrimp
How to Cook Shrimp for Babies
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Serving shrimp to babies can be tricky. Follow these cooking tips, serving suggestions, and healthy recipes.
Jump to:- When to introduce
- Is shrimp safe for babies?
- Health Benefits
- Shrimp Buying Guide
- How to Cook Shrimp for Babies
- How to Serve for Baby Led Weaning
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resource
- How to Cook Shrimp For Babies
When to introduce
Shrimp can be offered to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.
If you’re unsure, be sure to grab my FREE handout!
Is shrimp safe for babies?
Its chewy and rubbery texture makes it hard for babies to handle and can lead to choking. But that doesn't mean that you should avoid it all together, especially if your family enjoys shrimp or any other shellfish for that matter.
But be sure to cook the shrimp properly and serve in an age-appropriate way, which I am about to show you.
Also, shrimp and other shellfish are one of the top allergens, and if you were told to wait until around 2-3 years of age to introduce them, this is outdated advice!
The current recommendation is to introduce highly allergenic foods EARLY and OFTEN. By doing so, you can dramatically reduce the risk or actually help prevent the development of food allergies.
When first introducing, start with a small amount. Be sure it's the only new food on your baby's plate so that if there is an allergic reaction, you will know what caused it.
Serve it at home early in the day so you can monitor your baby for any reaction(s) and get medical help if necessary.
Note: If your baby is allergic to shellfish, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will be allergic to finned fish, as well. Same goes for different types of shellfish. Therefore, be sure to introduce all new fish and shellfish one at a time, just like you would tree nuts.
Health Benefits
Shrimp is a great source of protein as well as nutrients that support brain development, including omega-3 fatty acids, B12, and choline. It is also lower in mercury compared to other fish and shellfish.
However, enjoy in moderation as it is high in sodium. And shrimp are oftentimes treated with chemicals and antibiotics.
Here's a list of best shrimp to purchase along with other seafood.
Shrimp Buying Guide
I don’t know about you, but with so many choices, buying shrimp can be quite confusing! So I hope this is helpful.
Wild-caught vs. Farmed Shrimp
Let's talk about safety first. Farmed shrimp are grown in aquaculture ponds that require antibiotics and chemicals to control bacterial growth. They're also injected with antibiotics and hormones.
Wild-caught shrimp are free from any of these.
However, the method by which shrimp are caught poses a threat to the wild fish populations and the overall ecosystem.
Something I learned during my research is that wild-caught US shrimp are the most highly regulated and harvested in a way that does not disturb their natural environment. They are also caught without using slave or forced labor, which is the case for many of the countries supplying shrimp.
All this to say, both types of shrimp have their benefits and flaws. The main takeaway is to enjoy shrimp with your family, including your baby.
But do strive for variety by enjoying other sustainable seafood that are available in your region. If possible, buying directly from local fishermen is always the best idea.
Fresh vs. Frozen
I personally purchase frozen. Here’s why. Most local grocery stores sell defrosted shrimp. While it may seem convenient, shrimp are highly perishable and once thawed, the quality and texture start to decline.
And there’s no way of knowing how they were thawed or for how long. After sitting for a couple of days, they become mushy and oftentimes that’s when they go on sale.
Frozen shrimp are sold either in block form or individually quick frozen (IQF). I buy the latter. I’ve learned that they are frozen shortly after being harvested and this process best preserves moisture, texture, and flavor.
It also allows me to thaw just what I need rather than having to thaw the entire package. Just make sure “shrimp” is the only ingredient listed.
What's the best size?
A shrimp’s size is measured by the number of individual shrimp it takes to make up a pound. The smaller the number, the bigger the shrimp.
So 16/20, which is what I usually get, means there are 16-20 shrimp in a pound. Ignore labels like medium and jumbo as they’re not standardized and can vary greatly depending on the seller.
Head on or off?
Purchase headless, unless you can get your hands on live shrimp. The head contains enzymes that break down shrimp flesh once they die, resulting in a mushier texture.
Shelled?
Shells help seal in flavor and keep the shrimp moist. However, it’s a bit inconvenient to handle, isn’t it? If you’re adding to dishes, like pasta, rice, etc., I say purchase easy-to-peel or shelled. But if you’re grilling and serving on its own, shell-on is the better option.
How to Cook Shrimp for Babies
Here are the top four methods
Steamed
This is my favorite way to cook shrimp for babies.
Insert a steamer basket into a large pot. Fill with water to just below the steamer basket. Bring water to a boil.
Add shrimp to the pot and cover with a lid. Reduce heat to low and steam for 4-5 minutes.
Sauteed
Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or butter and once it begins to shimmer add the shrimp.
Once they start to turn pinkish on the bottom and curl, about 2-3 minutes, flip them over. Finish cooking until pink, opaque, and curled into a loose “C” shape, about 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer to a plate to prevent overcooking.
Broiled
Turn the broiler on. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat and place shrimp on top in a single layer, making sure there's space in between so they don't touch.
Place on the top oven rack and broil for 2-3 minutes.
Baked
I personally love making shrimp cakes as they make for a wonderful finger food for babies and freeze beautifully!
Here's a recipe you can try that is well-loved by many families around the world!
Boiled
While this is a common way to cook shrimp, I personally don't recommend it as it's so easy to overcook the shrimp. Not to mention, you can lose some of the shrimp flavor in the boiling water.
How to Serve for Baby Led Weaning
Once you've cooked the shrimp using any of the methods mentioned (except the cakes), be sure to finely mince and fold into foods.
By 8-9 months of age, your baby will be able to pick up small pieces. However, its tough texture makes it hard to chew so continue to finely chop or shred.
Here are some suggestions:
- Combine with mashed avocado and serve with a spoon or spread onto toast
- Combine with mashed beans (pictured: white beans) with herbs/spices (pictured: cumin and cilantro)
- Shrimp Cakes
- Add to oatmeal with vegetables (can shape into balls or fingers)
You can also add to family meals like this seafood paella (recipe from my One Pot Meals cookbook).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to thaw shrimp?
If you’re planning ahead, thaw in the fridge overnight. But if you need a quick fix, take out of the bag and place in a bowl under COLD running water. They’ll be ready in just a few minutes! Warm water will alter their texture.
If you don’t want to let the water run, simply place in a bowl of cold water. It will take about twice as long using this method. Be sure to dry them on a paper towel before cooking
How do I know when shrimp is done cooking?
Here’s a general rule:
“U” shape means it’s underocoked
“O” shape means it’s overcooked
“C” shape means bingo! Perfectly cooked shrimp
How can I properly store cooked shrimp?
Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Additional Resource
Are you:
- getting ready to start or at the beginning stage of introducing solid solids and feeling overwhelmed?
- stuck on purees and having a really difficult time transitioning to table food?
- or tired of serving the same foods on repeat and want to offer more variety of foods to your older baby or toddler?
Here's my 3 MONTH Baby Led Feeding Journey Program!
It's a complete roadmap that would show you through daily videos and photos of what foods and how to serve them to your baby AND the rest of the family at the same time. Everything you need to know all in one place!
Do you want to minimize picky eating and set a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits?
Check out this 3 month mastering self-feeding program! It’s the closest thing to me being in your kitchen
If you want to learn how to prepare other specific food(s), check out my How To Series!
How to Cook Shrimp For Babies
Serving shrimp to babies can be tricky. Follow these cooking tips, serving suggestions, and healthy recipes.
5 from 3 votes
Print PinPrep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman
- ▢
Steamer
- ▢ 1 pound (16 oz.) medium to large shrimp, fresh or thawed, if frozen
- ▢ 2 tablespoons oil or butter (if sauteeing or broiling)
Steamed
Insert a steamer basket into a large pot. Fill with water to just below the steamer basket. Bring water to a boil.
Add shrimp to the pot and cover with a lid. Reduce heat to low and steam for 4-5 minutes, until they curl and turn pink. Turn once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Sauteed
Heat a large pan over medium high heat and add oil or butter. Swirl the pan around to coat the surface.
Once it begins to shimmer add the shrimp. Flip when they turn pinkish on the bottom and curl, about 2-3 minutes. Finish cooking until pink, opque, and curled into a loose “C” shape, about 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer to a plate to prevent overcooking.
Broiled
Turn the broiler on. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat and place shrimp on top in single layer, making sure there's space in between so they don't touch.
Place on the top oven rack and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Once cooked, be sure to finely mince.
- Will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Calories: 106kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 90mg
Course Main entree
Cuisine American
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
When babies can eat fish and shellfish: Giving babies salmon, crab, shrimp, and more
Fish, including shellfish, can be a healthy part of your child's diet soon after they begin to eat solid foods, usually around 6 months old. Because both are common allergens, it's best to wait until your baby has tried a few other low allergy foods and has had no reactions (like baby cereal and pureed fruits and vegetables) before introducing fish or shellfish.
Fish is a good early food because it's full of important nutrients, including protein and fatty acids. But it's best to avoid some types of fish because they can contain unsafe levels of mercury, which in high doses can be harmful to children.
Is fish healthy for babies?
Fish can have an important role in a balanced diet – it's full of nutrients that are crucial for a child’s health and development.
Fish is a healthy source of protein and lipids (fats). Lipids serve as an energy source, provide padding for vital organs and protection from temperature extremes, and allow absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that are important for brain development, vision and eye formation, the immune system, and a healthy heart. Fish can be a source of vitamins D, E, B1, B3, B6, and B12; it also contains calcium, iron, and fluoride.
What kind of fish is best for babies?
Certain types of fish contain high levels of methylmercury, a metal believed to be harmful in high doses to a child's developing brain and nervous system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a list of which types of fish are best to give children, based on the fish's mercury level. Experts recommend children 1 to 3 years old get two to three 1-ounce servings of the "best fish" each week, and just one serving of "good fish'' each week.
For example, salmon is considered "best" and can be given to your baby multiple times a week, since it has very low levels of mercury. Canned tuna, a "good" option, is best limited to once a week because of its potential mercury content. And don't give your baby large fish, like swordfish, at all, since they are higher in mercury.
The best fish to give your baby:
- Catfish
- Cod
- Crab
- Haddock
- Salmon
- Sardine
- Scallops
- Shrimp
- Tilapia
- Whitefish
Good fish:
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- Albacore tuna (used in canned tuna)
- Carp
- Halibut
- Mahi mahi
- Snapper
Fish to avoid:
- Bigeye tuna
- King mackerel
- Marlin
- Orange roughy
- Tilefish
- Shark
- Swordfish
Visit the FDA's website for the full list of the best fish, good fish, and fish to avoid giving to children.
When can babies eat sushi?
Only give your baby sushi made with fully cooked fish. Raw or undercooked fish in sushi may be a source of bacteria or toxins, although it's uncommon that they cause illness in children.
It's also best to avoid sushi made with types of fish that can have high mercury content, regardless of whether or not it's cooked.
Sushi is typically wrapped in seaweed, which is likely going to be too tough for your baby to chew well and could pose a choking hazard. If you feed your baby sushi, consider taking out the seaweed or cutting the sushi into very small pieces so your baby can eat it more easily.
In places like Japan, where sushi is a commonly eaten food, parents often wait until their child is 2 to 3 years old to give them sushi with raw fish, though some wait until their child is 5.
Can babies be allergic to fish?
Both fish and shellfish are among the most common foods people are allergic to. While babies often grow out of food allergies as they age, it's less common for fish or shellfish allergies to go away. Seafood allergies are also more likely to cause severe reactions than other food allergies.
Fish and shellfish are different categories of allergens – so if a baby is allergic to fish, they might not be allergic to shellfish and vice versa. It is possible to be allergic to both fish and shellfish, though. The same goes for different types of fish: Being allergic to one type (say, salmon) doesn't necessarily mean a baby will be allergic to another (like tuna), though it's possible to be allergic to all kinds of fish.
When introducing a potentially allergenic food, experts recommend giving it to your baby at home, rather than at daycare or a restaurant. As with any new food, serve it for three to five days before offering another new food. That way you can monitor your baby for a reaction and know what's likely causing it.
Signs of a food allergy include hives, itchy skin rashes, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pale skin. If you notice any of these symptoms in your baby, let their doctor know. If your baby has symptoms that involve multiple parts of the body (such as hives with vomiting or diarrhea), it could be an anaphylactic reaction and you should immediately call 911.
Other signs of an anaphylactic reaction are throat tightness, breathing problems, wheezing, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness. If your baby shows signs of an anaphylactic reaction after eating fish, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
How to serve fish to your baby
When preparing fish for your baby, remove all the skin and any bones (including very small ones inside the meat), and puree or mince it into small pieces to prevent choking. Once your baby shows signs of readiness for finger foods (between 8 and 10 months), you can serve them bite-sized pieces of cooked fish.
When you give your baby shellfish, be sure to completely remove the shell and any hard pieces, such as shrimp tails, to prevent choking. Shellfish often has a tougher texture than other fish, so cut it into small pieces, around a quarter of an inch, or puree it when you serve it to your baby,
Looking for ways to serve fish to your baby? Try this salmon, asparagus, and rice recipe.
Feeding aquarium shrimp: how, what and how much?
Friends, in this article we will talk with you about how, what and how much to feed our favorite shrimp.
And let's cut the truth straight away. All those super expensive specialty shrimp foods of yours like Japanese Beni Bachi are mostly marketing and nothing more.
Yes. Of course, there is money and desire - feed your favorite cockroaches with expensive food. We do not mind. Even for! But at the same time, we just want to convey a general, global idea - the secret of all, even super recessive shrimp, is that they are scavengers!
The shrimp by nature eats almost everything. In their biotopes, they feed on: fallen leaves, algae, microorganisms and everything that turns up. Once in the aquarium, the shrimp also eat everything.
It should be noted that the feeding of shrimp is variable:
Option 1: when shrimp live with fish.
2nd option: when they live separately.
Feeding in an aquarium with fish. In fact, shrimp can eat exclusively plant food all week and once a week they should be given protein food. A dead friend who threw aside his little arthropod hooves. Accidentally crushed snail in the aquarium. All this is also very protein, by the way! And...
And so it turns out, friends, that by and large in the general aquarium, shrimp do not need personal feeding at all. They will gnaw on string and other algae and be content with objects from the fish table that have flown to the bottom of the aquarium and fallen into the grass.
Next, we recommend watching our video on the topic.
If we are talking about pure shrimp . That is, a cube containing a herd of cockroaches without fish. In this case: leaves of walnut, oak, mulberry and other fruit trees. Nettle leaves and even a specially grown string sap will save your aquarium budget a lot. The shrimp will be happy to crunch all this, without grumbling at the meager diet.
Aquarium shrimp on a leaf
Aquarium shrimp eat a leaf
Throw a ration of nettles into your shrimp pot and you can safely go away for two days. Shrimp gnawed nettles - they gave a walnut leaf, let them kiss further. And for the weekend instead of a disgustingly crushed snail or a cherry sacrifice. Throw them a few pellets of Tetra Crusta - this is a popular and at the same time, I emphasize, not cloudy expensive food for shrimps and other arthropod comrades. The feed contains fish products, vegetable protein, cereals, shellfish, crayfish. In general, there are heaps of protein and plant foods in abundance! All! Bellisimo! The gastronomic issue with shrimp is closed once and for all.
Of course, each aquarist can have his own scheme. You can give Tetra Crusta twice a week or at least every day if your budget allows. It's great food, no question. But the profit from the leaves, in order to save the budget, cannot be denied either.
Shrimp feeding area. The best solution to this issue is to choose a single and open place for feeding. So you will kill several birds with one stone, listening to Phil Kirkorov and other shame: on the one hand, you will always see the approximate number of shrimp and monitor the population. On the other hand, you can always see how quickly the shrimp cope with food. Throwing food into the thicket there is a risk that it will go unnoticed.
Perhaps the most important thing is that your pets will be visible: feeding them in the foreground, in an open area, you will be able to admire them and follow their every movement, take pictures, etc.
Shrimp feeding frequency. The best option to maintain cockroach tone would be to feed them about 1 time in 2 days. It will not be superfluous to make fasting days for them, without feeding them at all for several days once a month. This is useful both for them and for the aquarium as a whole. Well, do not be afraid to leave them for 1-2 weeks without food. Shrimps can go much longer without food than fish, because in fact there is enough food without you.
Feeding time - it is better to feed shrimps or crayfish in the evening or during the night phase. At this time, all arthropod friends are most active. But in general, there is no fundamental difference in this matter. After all, the whole life of a shrimp is an eternal search for food.
Such deeds and thoughts. All arthropod respect and kindness, of course!
The shrimp is a decapod crustacean. In length, representatives of large species reach up to 36 cm. The weight of such a shrimp can reach 20 grams. Life cycle up to 6 years. It is noteworthy that many species of shrimp are hermaphrodites, they are able to change sex several times during their lives. In the past few years, this species of arthropod has become increasingly common in home aquariums. Along with domestic fish, it is becoming increasingly popular. It is difficult to overestimate the usefulness of shrimp in an aquarium, they, like cleaners in an apartment, bring cleanliness and order to the house, removing leftover food or small parts of rotting algae that have not been eaten by fish. Both in the wild and in the aquarium, this mollusc will always look for food. For this purpose, he uses special receptors - antennas that are able to detect food on various surfaces. Having sensed the prey, the shrimp will run in a circle until it jumps on its “prey”. This mechanism once again proves the fact that vision in these arthropods does not play a big role in their life. Eating food is particularly interesting to observe in the example of the transparent ghost shrimp. Shrimps are omnivores in their normal environment. They can feed on both the remains of animal food, and zooplankton or algae. The inhabitants of the seas and oceans closer to the equator are predominantly nocturnal. At sunset, they come out of their shelters and prey on plankton or small crustaceans. Freshwater shrimp feed mainly on silt and leaves. Aquarium shrimps may have a more varied diet. Breeders often add the following ingredients to their diet: Shrimps need a varied diet to maintain good color and health. That is why a large number of different feeds have now appeared on the shelves, specially created for this inhabitant of aquariums. The dry food looks like a bottom tablet for catfish, but unlike them, it is designed specifically for shrimp. When it enters the water, such food becomes slightly larger in size. Its main difference is that it does not spoil the water in case of incomplete use. Granulated shrimp food. There are several leading shrimp food manufacturers, such as Mosura Shrimp Food and BorneoWild, who produce a balanced diet formulated specifically for this type of crustacean. Many experts agree that specialty shrimp food should not be the main diet. Along with it, shrimp should eat vegetable and protein foods. Experienced breeders do not recommend adding high protein food to shrimp food. Permissible share in the product is not more than 33%. Errors in eating can provoke problems in digestion and, as a result, in life. Daphnia and Cyclops are microscopic living organisms that are excellent for feeding shrimp and fish, including fry. Don't forget about protein supplements. Small crustaceans (daphnia or cyclops) are perfect for this role. This food serves as a source of such an important substance as quinine. More nutrients are stored frozen. Often such top dressing should not be given, as it can cause rapid growth and molting, which negatively affects the health of individuals. Any compound containing a substance such as copper is not allowed in the shrimp aquarium. It can even be present in medications. In the event of the appearance of copper in the aquarium, the death of the entire population occurs. Do not forget that shrimp are omnivores, so they can easily feast on "your table". Vegetables are excellent food for crustaceans. For example, cucumbers or zucchini. Before sending them to the aquarium, they must be cut into thin rings and scalded with boiling water. A young pumpkin subjected to heat treatment is also suitable. Shrimps pay special attention to green peas, cooked to a soft state. The shrimp enjoy eating marrow. All sugary fruits and vegetables are best kept for yourself, as they can be very harmful to the aquarium and its inhabitants if spoiled. Some plant species are also suitable for feeding. Dandelions, currant leaves, cherries, walnuts, chestnuts, maples, birches, cherries and raspberries will be a very useful addition to the basic diet. Plants must be given only in dried form, otherwise they are capable of releasing poisonous toxins into the water. Dry nettle leaves are a storehouse of nutrients for shrimp for optimal life. Dried leaves are good food, but be careful! Not all leaves and plants are suitable for feeding! For example, the use of oak leaves is strictly prohibited! Forage plants should be collected in ecologically clean areas, away from highways. Only in this case they will be useful. These inhabitants of the home aquarium are unusually voracious. They are in search of food 24 hours a day. But we must not forget that overfeeding is dangerous to health. Aquarists have a special rule in this regard: you need to give as much food as the shrimp can eat within 5 minutes, everything else is superfluous. The choice of a place for feeding should be chosen carefully. A well-viewed area of the aquarium without unnecessary plantings and decorations is suitable, where it would be convenient not only to put, but also to remove excess food. During feeding, the whole flock gathers for food, at this moment it is very convenient to monitor the movement and activity of crustaceans. Feeding is a great opportunity to get a good look at your little secretive pets. Feed these pets at the same time. This should be done once a day or 2 days. The rest of the time, shrimp will be able to find their own food in the aquarium without much effort. The best time to feed the shrimp is one hour after the lights are turned on, as that is when they are most active. For such feeding, it is convenient to use special feeders. "Are there any rules for feeding this type of crustacean?" - this is the question that many novice shrimp breeders ask. Experienced aquarists do not make explicit rules, but they highlight some conditions that you should take a closer look at, for example: Experienced breeders agree unconditionally on one thing: it is better to underfeed than overfeed. After all, overeating leads to an inactive lifestyle, as well as to pollution of the internal environment. Supplementary food should not be given to shrimp every day. Ideally, it is necessary to create a period of fasting lasting 2-4 days, in some cases up to a week. Depending on whether the shrimp live separately or with fish, it is necessary to build a feeding scheme. Shrimps are incredibly voracious! In the photo, they are eating a snail coil, which was caught by a predator - the snail Helena. In the case of the neighborhood with fish, a separate meal can be remembered much less often. Shrimps will easily eat the remnants of their food, plants, algae. A transparent film formed on the surface of the water will become the main delicacy for crustaceans. It consists of microorganisms that these creatures love so much. It should be remembered that nitrogen impurities have a bad effect on crustaceans, subsequently, they can even lead to the death of these inhabitants of the aquarium. Therefore, it is necessary to choose food carefully, paying special attention to the composition. If the shrimp are kept separately from the fish (the so-called "shrimp"), then in this case, special attention should be paid to feeding. Food should be given more often, and also make sure that the diet contains not only protein, but also plant foods. Bloodworms and tubifex are suitable as animal food. But do not forget that this type of food must be introduced into the diet as a top dressing, not every day. Feeders are available in metal, glass or plastic. As a feeder for shrimp, you can use improvised materials. In order to always keep the aquarium clean after feeding, special feeders are often used. The most common is as follows: a transparent container resembling a plate is placed on the bottom of the aquarium, I place a long transparent tube on it, one end of which is above the surface of the water. It is easy to pour food into such a feeder and remove it in case of excess. This method of feeding is not suitable for young animals, it is better to use powder for them. Shrimp play an important role in the aquarium. They, like a cleaner, clean their house of excess garbage. This type of crustacean is able to find and destroy aquarium waste in the most inaccessible places. The content of shrimp is unpretentious, the main thing here is to monitor the condition of the water and the quality of the feed. That is why they are preferred by many aquarists around the world, deducing every year an increasing number of varieties of shrimp.
Recommended video0003 What to feed shrimp in an aquarium and how to do it correctly
How shrimp eat
What do they eat
Types of shrimp food
DIY food for shrimp
Where and when to feed