Can a 1.5-year-old baby eat cicada pupae

1 and a half year old babies are generally not recommended to eat cicada pupae. Cicada pupae have high protein content but may cause allergies and pose digestive risks. The immune system and digestive function of infants and young children are not yet fully developed, and it is necessary to carefully choose highly allergenic foods.

Cicada pupae contain high-quality protein, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids, which are theoretically beneficial for the growth and development of children. But the shell of cicada pupae is hard, and even after cooking, there may still be indigestible chitin residues. One and a half year old children have weak gastrointestinal motility, which can easily cause discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain. Some cicada pupae may carry parasites or bacteria, and there are safety hazards when high-temperature treatment is not thorough. In some areas, there is a traditional custom of eating cicada pupae. If parents insist on trying, they must ensure that the source of cicada pupae is safe and thoroughly cooked. For the first consumption, the skin should be peeled and crushed into a paste. After observing for three days without any allergic reactions such as rash or diarrhea, a small amount should be added. However, clinical data shows that the probability of children being allergic to insect based foods is significantly higher than that of adults, and in severe cases, it can lead to acute allergic reactions such as laryngeal edema.

It is recommended that 1-and-a-half-year-old babies prioritize supplementing protein with regular ingredients such as eggs, fish, and tofu. If new ingredients need to be introduced, they should be gradually adapted from a single variety and a very small amount, avoiding adding multiple highly allergenic foods at the same time. If symptoms such as vomiting and skin redness occur after eating, stop eating immediately and seek medical attention. Daily diet should follow the transition principle from fine to coarse and from soft to hard, and try to avoid high-risk foods such as crustaceans and spines before the age of 2.