Bagel

Yes. Bagels can be challenging to chew and can form a sticky glob in the mouth, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve bagels in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during mealtime. 

Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Yes. Bagels often contain common food allergens like cow’s milk, egg, sesame, and wheat. Read labels closely and wait to introduce bagels until all common allergens on the ingredient list have been safely introduced. 

Wheat (along with other gluten-containing grains) is classified as a global priority allergen by the World Health Organization. Wheat is one of the most common food allergens in children. Fortunately, two-thirds of children outgrow the allergy by their 12th birthday. 

It is important to note that wheat allergy is not the same as celiac disease. While a wheat allergy may be outgrown, celiac disease requires a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet and lifestyle. A gluten “allergy” is typically a misnomer, often in reference to celiac disease.

While rare, some individuals have a condition known as wheat-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, which can result in a severe allergic reaction if the person exercises within a few hours after eating wheat. These patients should avoid eating wheat in the four hours before strenuous activity.

Lastly, individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to wheat, particularly those who are allergic to grass pollen. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth, and can also result in gastrointestinal distress (abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea) in some cases - especially if the grain was not properly digested and the proteins reach the lower GI tract intact. While uncomfortable, it is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

If you suspect baby is allergic to wheat, talk to a pediatric health care provider before introducing bagels at home. As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings and watch closely for any signs of an allergic reaction. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount over future servings.

Yes. Bagels are rich in carbohydrates and can also offer some fiber and protein. When made with enriched flour, bagels are a good source of iron, folate, selenium, and a variety of B vitamins. Together, these nutrients help to provide energy for play and exploration, growth and development, as well as digestive functioning. They can also help support red blood cell health, neurodevelopment, hormone function, and metabolic processes.

Hard, brittle, or sharp crackers like bagel chips should be reserved for when a child has more advanced eating skills, typically around 24 months of age. Advanced eating skills include the ability to take manageable bites, thoroughly chew food, and safely swallow it. When you are ready to serve bagel chips, make sure the toddler is seated in a safe eating environment; eating while distracted, talking, running, or playing greatly increases the risk of choking.

Sí—siempre y cuando el/la niño/a no tenga alergia al trigo, sensibilidad al gluten no celíaca, o enfermedad celíaca.  

El gluten es simplemente un tipo de proteína en el trigo y otros granos como la cebada, el centeno y algunas avenas. El gluten es comestible, pero se vuelve problemático para las personas con enfermedad celíaca, una enfermedad autoinmune caracterizada por el daño al intestino delgado cuando se consume gluten. Algunas personas pueden ser sensibles al gluten, pero es posible que no tengan alergia al trigo o enfermedad celíaca. En algunos casos, esto puede ser una sensibilidad al gluten no celíaca. Sin embargo, los granos que contienen gluten también pueden contener ciertos carbohidratos que son difíciles de digerir para algunas personas.