When Can Babies Have Cinnamon? Or Should I Not Bother

Cinnamon, you either love it or tolerate it. Cinnamon has been around for quite some time. It’s been used as medicine, a food ingredient, and even as an online viral challenge.

 

While cinnamon has received such a bad reputation on the Internet, cinnamon is both tasty and healthy in small doses. Cinnamon is still an important ingredient in many baked goods and dishes. Cinnamon has also been used to treat illnesses and alleviate symptoms.

 

These days, you can easily buy cinnamon powder or bark from the grocery store. It’s almost always available on shelf racks and pantries in kitchens. And both home and professional chefs can use cinnamon to spice up any dish.

 

Cinnamon is, for the most part, a safe ingredient. For a lot of people, a sprinkle of cinnamon is far from dangerous. So is cinnamon safe for everyone, including babies?

 

What Is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a type of spice that originated from the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia. People obtain cinnamon from the tree branches of the Cinnamomum family. You can either use the bark itself or turn the branches into powder.

 

Cinnamon has been used since Ancient Egyptian times. And throughout centuries, cinnamon was used as a medicine to cure coughing, arthritis, and sore throats. 

 

Today, people use cinnamon as part of their spice collection in the kitchen. You can see cinnamon in goods like apple pies, chai, and cinnamon rolls. Cinnamon adds an earthy, mildly sweet flavor to foods and is very popular in countries like the US.

 

Cinnamon is also still used as medicine to this day. Scientists claim that cinnamon is beneficial for people with fungal infections, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and HIV. People add cinnamon into their daily diet because of its health benefits.

 

Is Cinnamon Safe for Babies? And When Can Babies Have Cinnamon?

Fortunately, cinnamon is considered safe for babies. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, cinnamon is “Generally Recognize as Safe” (GRAS) for babies’ consumption.

 

So when can babies have cinnamon in their food? Most pediatricians agree that babies can start eating solid food at 6 months old. You can safely mix cinnamon into your baby’s food during this time.

 

Unlike soy or peanuts, cinnamon isn’t a common allergenic food. Most children and adults have no problems consuming food with cinnamon. However, some babies may have some allergies, so parents should watch out for any symptoms.

 

Too much cinnamon can also irritate a baby. Symptoms can include an upset stomach, skin irritation, and decreased blood clotting. So keep cinnamon as small as a sprinkle in your baby’s meal.

 

Why You Should Let Your Baby Have Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a very healthy spice that you can safely introduce to your baby. Unlike sugar or salt, cinnamon can add taste to food without raising your baby’s glucose or sodium levels. 

 

Cinnamon has plenty of health benefits. Asides from tasting good, cinnamon can help fight different infections, such as common colds and flu. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it perfect for healing wounds and sores.

 

Cinnamon was also used as a medicine for digestive problems. And anecdotal evidence shows that it is very effective. You can use cinnamon to treat indigestions, cramps, and flatulence.

 

You can give cinnamon to your kid through tea or their food. You can also use essential oils on older babies. But make sure to consult your pediatrician before using cinnamon as first aid.

 

Can Cinnamon Cause Allergies?

A lot of people don’t have allergies to cinnamon. However, some babies can have allergic reactions to cinnamon. Thankfully, cinnamon allergies are uncommon and treatable.

 

Some common symptoms of allergies include swelling, vomiting, an upset stomach, a runny nose, and difficulties in breathing. If you suspect your child has cinnamon allergies, bring them to their pediatrician. You can also prevent cinnamon allergies by checking the label of foods.

 

And while cinnamon does not commonly cause allergies, it can potentially upset a baby’s stomach. Too much cinnamon is linked to digestive issues. It’s also best to avoid cinnamon if your baby is taking medication for blood thinning.

 

Like other spices, use cinnamon sparingly. Cinnamon can overpower the original taste of food. Plus, cinnamon is very dry and is irritating to eat when not mixed properly.

 

How Do I Introduce Cinnamon To My Baby?

Cinnamon is best sprinkled in food. You can mix cinnamon in purees to add flavor and texture to the food. You can also sprinkle cinnamon in fruits and vegetable dishes.

 

Cinnamon shouldn’t be the main focus of the dish. Rather, it should act as an added flavoring. The main attention should always be reserved for the main ingredients.

 

Still, there is no denying that cinnamon can better the taste of food. A dash of cinnamon is enough to bring out the flavor. 

 

You can mix cinnamon in pureed bananas, carrots, and apples. Rice pudding is also a healthy dessert that you can sprinkle some cinnamon on. For a refreshing drink, you can add some cinnamon to a glass of almond milk. 

 

Cinnamon is a versatile and amazing additive to different kinds of treats. Use it gingerly, and your kid will love it.

 

Conclusion

Cinnamon is a popular spice that people love to use. It is useful in cooking, baking, and medicating. And while it was viral to put a spoonful in your mouth, you should only enjoy cinnamon moderately.

 

People of all ages can enjoy cinnamon, including babies. Babies that are above 6 months can have a pinch of cinnamon in their food. Cinnamon can add flavor and texture to an otherwise boring dish.

 

Cinnamon is healthy for most people. It has been used to cure colds, flu, stomach pains, and wounds. However, parents should consult their pediatricians if they suspect potential allergies.

 

For healthy babies, they can have cinnamon in their food. Cinnamon is a great match for milk, fruits, and vegetable. Like any spice, moderation is the key.

 

Cinnamon is an amazing flavor-inducing spice that a lot of people like. And hopefully, your child too will appreciate this earthy taste. Besides, you can’t back an apple pie without a dash of cinnamon.