Can Babies Have Cinnamon? Our Experts Explain – Serenity Kids

Can Babies Have Cinnamon? Our Experts Explain

Estimated time to read 6 minutes

Once your baby begins eating solids, you may actually find yourself enjoying the process of creating meals for your little one and wondering how you can incorporate different flavors and spices into the mix. Cinnamon is just one of the many spices you can use to spruce up a meal and expand their developing palate.
It's generally considered safe to give your baby cinnamon once they are able to eat solid foods, but there are precautions you should take when giving your baby any spice, including cinnamon.

In this article, we'll explore the proper age for a baby to start consuming cinnamon, its health benefits, and ways to introduce it into your baby’s diet. We also give our favorite cinnamon recipes, and discuss signs of a cinnamon allergy and when you should seek medical attention.

Can babies have cinnamon? Learn when!

Yes! Once your baby is able to start eating solids, you can introduce cinnamon into their diet right away — in small amounts. This is generally around the age of six months, although it will vary based on the child.

Adding cinnamon to your baby’s food can have a variety of benefits, and your little one may even enjoy the flavor. That said, cinnamon is a warming spice, so it may be too strong for some babies. It’s important to follow their lead while deciding how much cinnamon to give your little one.

All you need to know about the benefits of cinnamon for babies' health

Not only does cinnamon have a delicious sweet and warm flavor, it may also provide numerous health benefits to consumers, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibiotic benefits. These benefits will vary slightly depending on the type of cinnamon — Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon are the most common.

The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon

The antioxidants in cinnamon are packed with anti-inflammatory benefits. This means that cinnamon may help repair organs and tissues in babies. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon may help reduce or prevent certain conditions, like asthma and eczema.

Cinnamon boosts the immune system

Thanks to the benefits of antioxidants found in cinnamon, such as polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, cinnamon can help boost your little one’s immune system. Cinnamon also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that may help keep your baby healthy by fighting off respiratory tract infections and inhibiting the growth of bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria.

Cinnamon improves the digestive system

In small amounts, cinnamon may improve the functioning of the digestive system and reduce issues with digestion, such as gas, constipation, diarrhea, and upset stomach. As babies begin to transition to solids, they may experience some discomfort as their digestive systems adapt — cinnamon may be able to help with these issues.

Cinnamon makes a teething baby's life better

Teething can really take a toll on your baby's mouth, especially if multiple teeth are coming in at once. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon may help reduce inflammation in the gums. This can help reduce swelling and soothe the pain as the teeth shift and poke through the gums. The added benefits of its antibacterial properties can also help kill any bacteria that may be causing gum pain.

How to introduce cinnamon into your baby's diet?

In small amounts, cinnamon has a mild and subtle flavor, making it easy to introduce into your baby's diet. You can incorporate cinnamon powder into their meals by including it in pureed baby food recipes, like sweet potatoes, or adding it to finger foods. A sprinkle here and a dash there — that's all you need.

Fall Pumpkin Puffs Trail Mix

This recipe may be inspired by fall, but it’s a delicious and nutrient-packed snack for toddlers and parents, no matter the time of year. It can easily be tailored to fit your little one’s age and taste preferences. Simply mix our Grain-Free Pumpkin & Cinnamon Puffs with a variety of seeds, nuts, raisins, etc. and keep some on hand for a quick, healthy snack.

Homemade Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Seasoning

Nothing screams CINNAMON quite like a delicious pumpkin spice flavored recipe. This pumpkin spice seasoning is simple and a great way to expose your baby to a variety of flavors. All you need is some ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

When to get medical advice: cinnamon allergy

Cinnamon allergies may not be as prevalent as other common food allergies, but there is always the potential for an allergic reaction. For this reason, it’s generally recommended to only introduce one new food at a time. This will make it easier to identify which food may be causing a reaction.

Common signs of allergic reactions may include:

If your baby is showing signs of an allergic reaction to anything they have eaten, contact professional health services immediately. They will help treat your little one and determine the underlying cause of the reaction.