Pimienta de Cayena

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Babies may be introduced to spices as soon as they are ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old. However, because it is so intense, it may be best to introduce cayenne pepper after your baby’s first birthday. First, you want to avoid causing baby any pain as they start solids. Second, it's a good idea to give baby an opportunity to develop an awareness of individual ingredients and their distinctive tastes independent of intense spices. For example, if you introduce beans via a spicy chili, baby may learn that beans are spicy and may not want to try them again. We want baby to learn what beans taste like on their own and then to introduce spices with intention.

Yes. Cayenne pepper offers small amounts of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In particular, cayenne contains vitamins A, C,  E, and K. Together, these nutrients help aid digestion, vision, immunity, and bone health. They also contain a variety of carotenoids like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, in addition to antioxidants and phytochemicals. Research also suggests that cayenne offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

Contrary to popular belief, babies can enjoy big flavors, including heat from ingredients like cayenne. Consider starting with small tastes and adjust the spice level based on the child’s responses and preferences. The goal is to follow the child’s lead and create positive experiences with new foods and flavors. Taste the dish before serving to baby, and if the dish seems too spicy, adjust the seasonings to mellow the flavor.

Avoid cayenne pepper capsules, extracts, and supplements for babies and toddlers, as research on their safety is limited and their use has been associated with stomach upset and skin irritation.

★Tip: Balance the heat by serving foods seasoned with cayenne alongside creamy and cooling foods like mashed avocado, plain yogurt, or age-appropriate milk, like breast milk, formula, or cow’s milk.  Acidic or water-based foods and drinks can intensify the heat.

No. Allergies to cayenne ingestion are rare but have been reported. In those with cayenne pepper allergy, inhalation of the powder can also result in acute asthma symptoms. People who are allergic to latex or pollens (particularly birch or mugwort pollen) may also be allergic to peppers, such as cayenne, or experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome) upon ingestion. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking cayenne pepper may help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.

Contact rashes are more frequently reported in sensitized individuals. In both children and adults, contact irritation reactions—such as temporary rashes, eye irritation, and digestive upset—to spicy peppers are frequently mistaken for allergic reactions. However, this is commonly due to the irritating qualities of capsaicin, the spicy component of peppers, in sensitive individuals, and is not typically a true allergic reaction.

Spicy foods like cayenne pepper may cause a harmless rash around the mouth while baby eats or may cause or worsen diaper rash. If baby has especially sensitive skin, consider applying a thin layer of barrier cream or ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face and bottom before serving foods prepared with cayenne to help prevent contact rashes.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

No. Ground cayenne pepper presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve cayenne pepper in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

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

Al comienzo, ofrece una pequeña cantidad y confía en que tu bebé sabe cómo mostrar interés si quiere más haciendo ruidos, gestos, o gritando o extendiendo la mano. Ten en cuenta que la mayoría de los bebés entre 6 y 9 meses de edad no consumen muchos alimentos sólidos al principio. Para los bebés de entre 10 y 12 meses de edad, enfócate en ofrecer el equivalente a una comida equilibrada para adultos, pero con porciones más pequeñas. Pon atención a las señales que te da el/la niño/a: cuando el/la bebé te muestre que desea “más”, ofrécele más comida. Cuando el/la bebé muestre señales de “ya terminé”, para de ofrecerle comida.

Hay muchos alimentos que pueden ser excelentes opciones. Busca alimentos que permitan que el/la bebé se alimente solo/a fácilmente, que tengan bajo riesgo de ahogamiento y que ofrezcan los nutrientes que los bebés necesitan, como el hierro. Algunos de nuestros primeros alimentos favoritos incluyen brócoli al vapor, avena, y semilla de mango. Obtén aún más ideas en nuestra guía, 50 alimentos sensacionales para comenzar sólidos.