A Parents’ Guide: Keeping Kids Safe While Enjoying Sushi

Today, sushi is no longer an adult delicacy. Young sushi enthusiasts are on the rise. As a parent, you might question: Is sushi safe for kids? What should they eat, and what is off-limits?

Guide To Aiding the Smooth and Delicious Experience of Sushi for Your Kids

1. Start with Cooked Options First

Raw fish might have hogged the glamour of traditional sushi, but in my opinion, that is not where kids should start. Young children still have more sensitive immune systems, so raw seafood can generally harbor bacteria or parasites that will not affect adults but will make a child ill.

Therefore, begin your child with cooked or vegetable sushi, such as:

• California roll (imitation crab, avocado, cucumber)
• Tempura shrimp roll
• Avocado roll
• Sweet potato or cucumber roll

These are mild, safe, and a great introduction to sushi’s flavors and textures.

2. Consider Allergies Wisely

A lot of sushi contains common allergens such as shellfish, soy, sesame, and eggs. If your child has food allergies, please make sure you inform your server properly or read the labels properly when making sushi at home.

Additionally, it’s better to avoid wasabi or spicy mayo for ordering for younger kids, as they typically have a more tender palate.

3. Keep an Eye on Sodium

Just a dip of the sushi into soy sauce can add more salt than you ever imagined, as soy sauce is loaded with sodium. Low-sodium soy sauce can be offered, or simply refrain from dipping, especially for the smaller kids.

You could also complement sushi with miso soup and water or tea rather than sweet beverages, thus balancing and elevating the meal’s health.

4. Supervise During Eating

Some of the sushi ingredients, like seaweed or sticky rice, can be choking hazards for toddlers and younger children. Keep an eye out while they’re eating, and always slice the rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces.

Raw fish is generally not recommended for children younger than 4 years. Many pediatricians would recommend waiting until the child’s digestive and immune systems are more developed to introduce raw seafood.

Sushi Inc. is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi in St Petersburg. Opening its doors in 2013 and becoming a local staple by offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi, and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top-notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh, and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-Sushi, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste.