They say one of the best ways to avoid fussy eating is to introduce a variety of foods early. The owners of Mulroy Bay Mussels shared a video of their granddaughter tucking into mussels, and it went viral for all the right reasons. Watch Baby Lena eating mussels and enjoying them with real gusto!
When Can Young Kids Eat Shellfish?
There’s no single “right” age for introducing shellfish to your child’s diet, and guidance can vary from child to child. It’s best to talk to your GP, public health nurse or dietitian about when and how to introduce shellfish and other allergenic foods, particularly if your child has eczema or any known food allergies.
Because young children are more vulnerable to food poisoning, all shellfish should be thoroughly cooked before serving. Oysters, clams and mussels should be cooked until the shell has fully opened.
Clams and mussels tend to be smaller and easier for little fingers to pick up and manage, which makes them a good starting point. Oysters are bigger and can be harder to swallow, so as always with young children, keep an eye out for choking hazards.
You might also enjoy reading: Everything You Need to Know About Weaning Baby
Miss Lena Eats “Ussels”
When we saw the video of Lena Wilhare tucking into her “ussels” we just had to share it with you. We think you’ll agree she’s adorable and clearly a big fan of those Mulroy Bay Mussels.
If our wee beautiful Grandaughter Lena Wilhare says our Mulroy Bay “Ussels” are Nice then that’s good enough for us. Miss Lena knows her mussels. #bestmussels #mulroybaymussels #lenaknowsgoodfoodforher pic.twitter.com/cTYMGYBP2I
— Mulroy Bay Mussels (@mulroybaymussel) February 11, 2019
Trying Out New Foods on Toddlers
Introducing new foods to young kids helps broaden their tastes, and eating the same meal as the rest of the family is a great way to encourage more adventurous eating.
- Introduce new foods in small bites.
- Toddlers love picking up their food themselves, so small chunks work well.
- Don’t be disappointed if your child doesn’t take to a new food straight away. It can take several tries before a child accepts a new taste, so give it another go in a few days.
- Try pairing something new with a favourite they already love.
- Let them see you enjoying the food too — eating together is a great family experience.
You might also enjoy reading: 9 Expert Tips to Encourage Your Child to Eat More Vegetables
Over to you now. Has your toddler tried mussels, or do they have an unusual food favourite of their own? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for young children to eat mussels and other shellfish?
Shellfish can be part of a young child’s diet, but it must always be thoroughly cooked, and mussels, clams and oysters should be checked to make sure the shell has fully opened. Because introducing allergenic foods is an individual decision, it’s best to check timing and any precautions with your GP or public health nurse first.
Why is Baby Lena’s mussel-eating video so popular?
The video, shared by Mulroy Bay Mussels, shows their granddaughter Lena Wilhare happily tucking into mussels and calling them “ussels.” Her enthusiasm and the family’s proud caption struck a chord with parents online, and the clip went viral on Twitter.
How can I encourage my toddler to try new foods?
Offer new foods in small, manageable pieces, pair them with a familiar favourite, and don’t be discouraged by early refusals — repeated, relaxed exposure often works better than pressure. Eating together as a family also helps toddlers feel confident trying something new.
Related Articles
- Everything You Need to Know About Weaning Baby
- 9 Expert Tips to Encourage Your Child to Eat More Vegetables
- Fun and Easy Family Recipes to Try Together
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