Halibut

When to start

Halibut can be offered in moderation once your baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months. It holds a moderate level of mercury. Mercury is a toxic metal that babies are especially sensitive to, and no safe level of exposure is known.

Halibut is a flatfish of northern coastal waters. Wild halibut grows quite large, and it is also raised in tanks and offshore farms. Larger fish live longer, so they take in more mercury and other toxins.

Why it matters

Protein and omega-3 fats are plentiful in halibut. B vitamins help with cell energy, vitamin D with bone and cell growth, and selenium with liver and immune function. These benefits count when it is eaten in moderation.

Cook halibut well and remove the skin and bones. Serve it as strips, or flake it into other dishes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests fish only once or twice weekly, since metal levels in waters are rising. Other fish have less mercury, and halibut counts as a moderate-risk fish.

The fish itself rarely causes choking. Its bones are another story. Before serving freshly cooked halibut, remove any bones left behind. Stay near your baby during the meal.

Yes. The World Health Organization lists finned fish as a global priority allergen, and halibut is among the fish that most often cause allergy, along with cod, salmon, and tuna. About 0.2 percent of people worldwide are estimated to have a finned fish allergy, and in children it is often lower still. Around 40 percent of those with the allergy first react in adulthood. Most do not outgrow it.

Some people react to proteins that rise into the air while fish cooks. If this applies to your baby, you may skip cooking fish at home while the baby is there.

About half of people allergic to one fish react to others. The main allergen, beta-parvalbumin, is found in most fish. Because of cross-contact and mislabeling risks, allergists often advise avoiding all finned fish until it is clear which are safe. If your baby is allergic to halibut, ask your allergist before offering any other fish.

Finned fish can trigger FPIES, a delayed reaction. Repeated vomiting and diarrhea start a few hours after eating, and without treatment it can cause serious dehydration. FPIES to fish can begin later in life and usually stays for good.

Scombroid poisoning can be mistaken for fish allergy. When fish is not kept cold enough, histamine builds up in it and causes allergy-like symptoms. Proper cold storage lowers the risk.

If seafood allergy runs in your family, or you suspect a fish allergy, see an allergist before halibut. Give a small amount the first time and watch your baby. If all is well, raise the portion slowly. Once an allergen is in, keep it in the diet, twice a week if possible. Finned fish share the same main proteins, so rotating varieties is enough.