Nutrients
Canned, light tuna is a low-calorie and low-fat addition to your baby's diet that also supplies a wealth of important nutrients. A 1-ounce serving of tuna contains about 7 grams of protein, a nutrient that supports healthy growth and gives your baby energy. The same serving also supplies small amounts or iron, zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Tuna is also a healthy source of niacin, a nutrient that supports healthy skin, nerves and digestion. A serving of tuna also provides trace amounts of riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B-12, vitamin A and vitamin D.
Benefits
Beyond essential nutrients, the omega-3 fatty acids that tuna contains offers numerous benefits to your baby. Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy brain development and might improve your baby's academic abilities as she gets older. Omega-3 fatty acids also boost your child's immune system, which could mean that she gets sick less often. Canned tuna packed in oil contains the most omega-3s, but all types of tuna supply small amounts of these essential fats.
Mercury
Tuna can be contaminated with mercury. Generally, white albacore tuna is higher in mercury than canned light tuna. Too much mercury can harm your baby's developing nervous system, but feeding your baby tuna every once in awhile is a safe way to provide omega-3s, protein, vitamins and minerals. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, a child who weighs about 20 pounds can safely eat a can of light tuna every three weeks. Your baby is unlikely to eat an entire can, so offering a 1/2-ounce serving every one or two weeks is a safe way to introduce fish into her diet. You can serve the entire 1/2 ounce at one time or spread it out over one or two weeks. Shred or chop the tuna into tiny pieces to prevent choking.
Tips
A small amount of plain tuna is the easiest way to introduce the fish into your baby's diet. Combine shredded tuna with pureed vegetables as another way to boost your baby's intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Use vegetables your baby already enjoys to encourage her to give the fish a try. Hold off on feeding your baby tuna or any type of fish if seafood allergies run in your family. Ask her pediatrician when it's safe to introduce seafood into her diet. If you're worried about mercury contamination, offer your baby salmon instead. It supplies many of the same nutrients but contains less mercury than tuna.