Fish and seafood are packed with nutrients that help babies and toddlers grow and develop properly, especially during the first two years of life. A new study asked 175 parents and caregivers in the UK why they don’t feed their young children more fish, even though they want to. The biggest problems? Parents worry about safety and don’t understand the guidelines about how much fish kids should eat. Researchers found that clearer information and better guidance could help more families add fish to their children’s diets during these crucial early years.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Why parents and caregivers in the UK don’t feed young children (babies and toddlers) enough fish and seafood, even though they know it’s healthy
  • Who participated: 175 mothers, parents, and guardians in the UK who care for children during their first two years of life. They answered an online survey shared through email, Facebook, LinkedIn, and nursery schools
  • Key finding: Most parents want their children to eat more fish for health reasons, but they’re held back by worries about safety (like mercury or choking) and confusion about how much fish is actually recommended for young kids
  • What it means for you: If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re not alone in wanting to give kids more fish—but you may need clearer, easier-to-understand guidelines to feel confident doing so. Talk to your pediatrician about safe fish choices and portion sizes for your child’s age

The Research Details

Researchers created an online survey and asked parents and caregivers in the UK to answer questions about their attitudes toward fish and seafood for young children. They shared the survey through email, social media (Facebook and LinkedIn), and nursery schools across the UK. Out of all the responses they received, 175 people gave complete and relevant answers that the researchers could analyze. The survey asked about what motivates parents to feed fish to their kids, what stops them from doing it, and what they understand about fish and health.

The first two years of a child’s life are incredibly important for brain and body development. Fish contains special nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and vitamin D that are hard to get from other foods and are essential during this time. Understanding why parents aren’t feeding their kids enough fish helps experts figure out how to fix the problem—whether it’s through better education, clearer rules, or addressing real safety concerns.

This study is a survey-based research, which means it captures what people say they think and do, but doesn’t prove cause-and-effect relationships. The sample size of 175 is moderate and came from people who actively responded to online surveys, so it may not represent all UK parents. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts checked the work. However, because it’s based on self-reported information, people’s actual fish-feeding habits might differ from what they reported

What the Results Show

The study found that most parents and caregivers genuinely want their children to eat more fish and seafood, and they understand that it’s good for health. However, two major obstacles prevent them from doing this: health concerns and confusion about guidelines. Parents worried about things like mercury in fish, choking risks, and allergies. Many also said they didn’t have clear enough information about how much fish is safe for their child’s age or which types of fish are best. The researchers discovered that these barriers—especially the confusion and safety worries—were stronger than parents’ desire to feed their kids fish, even when they knew it was nutritious.

The study also revealed that parents felt they needed better, clearer information from trusted sources like doctors and government health agencies. Many parents said they would be more likely to feed their children fish if they had straightforward guidelines that were easy to understand. Some parents also mentioned practical challenges like cost, availability, and not knowing how to prepare fish in ways their young children could safely eat. The research suggests that simply telling parents ‘fish is healthy’ isn’t enough—they need specific, easy-to-follow advice tailored to their child’s age

Previous research has shown that fish consumption in the UK is lower than health experts recommend, especially for young children. This study adds important detail by explaining why—it’s not just that parents don’t care about nutrition, but that specific barriers (confusion and safety concerns) are getting in the way. Other studies have found similar patterns in different countries, suggesting this is a widespread problem, not just a UK issue. This research supports the idea that better communication and clearer guidelines, rather than just more health messages, might be the key to change

This study only included 175 people who chose to respond to an online survey, so it may not represent all UK parents—especially those without internet access or who don’t use social media. The survey asked people what they think and do, but didn’t observe their actual eating habits, so there might be a difference between what people said and what they actually do. The study was done in the UK, so the results might not apply to other countries with different food cultures, guidelines, or available fish options. Finally, because this is a survey study, it can show what problems exist but can’t prove that fixing the guidelines would actually change how much fish families eat

The Bottom Line

If you’re a parent or caregiver: (1) Talk to your pediatrician or health visitor about safe fish choices and how much is appropriate for your child’s age—this is more reliable than general guidelines. (2) Start with mild, flaky white fish like cod or haddock, which are lower in mercury and easier for young children to eat. (3) Aim to introduce fish early (around 6 months when starting solids) to help children get used to the taste. (4) Look for clear, age-specific guidance from your doctor rather than trying to figure it out yourself. Confidence level: Moderate—this is based on what parents say they need, and expert consensus supports these recommendations

This research is most relevant to parents, caregivers, and guardians of babies and toddlers (ages 0-2 years). It’s also important for pediatricians, health visitors, and public health officials who create guidelines and communicate with families. If you have concerns about mercury, allergies, or choking, talk to your child’s doctor before introducing fish. This research doesn’t apply to families with fish allergies or those following certain cultural or religious diets that exclude seafood

If you start introducing fish to your child and they accept it, you could be adding these important nutrients to their diet right away. However, developing a habit of regular fish consumption takes time—usually several weeks to months of consistent exposure. Don’t expect immediate changes in your child’s development; the benefits of good nutrition during the first 1000 days show up over months and years, supporting better brain development, growth, and long-term health

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track fish and seafood servings weekly: Record the type of fish, portion size, and your child’s age when introduced. Note any reactions (positive acceptance, refusal, or allergic symptoms). Aim to log at least 1-2 fish meals per week and monitor whether your child’s acceptance improves over time
  • Set a specific goal like ‘Introduce one new fish recipe this week’ or ‘Serve fish twice this week.’ Use the app to set reminders for fish shopping days and meal planning. Create a simple checklist of child-friendly fish options (cod, salmon, white fish) and track which ones your child has tried and liked
  • Use the app to track fish consumption patterns over 4-8 weeks to see if you’re meeting your goals. Monitor your child’s growth metrics (if available in the app) and note any improvements in energy, development, or health markers. Keep notes on barriers you encounter (cost, preparation time, child’s preference) and solutions that work, so you can build sustainable habits

This research reflects what parents report about their attitudes and barriers to feeding fish to young children—it does not provide medical advice. Before introducing fish or any new food to your child, especially if there’s a family history of allergies, consult your pediatrician or health visitor. Individual nutritional needs vary by child. The findings are based on a UK survey and may not apply to all populations or countries. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance from your child’s healthcare provider.