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Learn moreBagel
Grain
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
Yes
When can babies have bagels?
Bagels may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age, but take care when serving. Bagels and all other types of bread are a common choking hazard, so see our serving suggestions for how to reduce the risk for babies and toddlers. In addition, bagels typically contain egg and wheat, as well as other common food allergens like cow’s milk and sesame. When sharing bagels with babies under 12 months of age, avoid varieties that contain honey, which is associated with a risk of infant botulism.
Bagels have roots in Eastern Europe, although similar round bread rolls have been staple foods in other parts of Asia and Europe for centuries. Traditionally, bagels are made from a yeasted bread dough that is pulled and formed into a circle, then boiled and baked. Now popular in many parts of the world, bagels come in many flavors, from sweet to savory.
How do you serve bagels to babies?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 months old +:
Serve half of a well-toasted bagel or cut it in half to create a half-moon shape. Make sure the bagel is well-toasted; untoasted bagels can become gummy and sticky upon contact with saliva, which can cause more gagging at this age. Keep in mind that bagels are hard to tear and chew, so for this age, a toasted bagel works more as a food teether to help build eating skills and less as a means to fill the belly. To offer more opportunities for consumption, try serving a toasted bagel with a soft, spreadable dip like labneh, ricotta cheese, thinned-out nut or seed butters (honey-free), whipped cream cheese, or yogurt. As baby munches, the food may break apart, and if any piece makes you nervous, simply remove it from the child’s eating area and replace it with something else. If a large piece breaks off in baby’s mouth and they are struggling to manage it, try encouraging baby to spit out the piece. To further reduce choking risk, avoid bagels with raisins and other dried fruit as well as large whole seeds. When sharing bagels with babies under 12 months of age, avoid varieties that contain honey, which is associated with a risk of infant botulism.
9 months old +:
Serve a well-toasted bagel half for biting and tearing practice, or offer bite-sized pieces of well-toasted bagel. Untoasted bagels can become gummy and sticky upon contact with saliva and can cause more gagging. Feel free to add a soft spread like mashed avocado, fresh ricotta cheese, hummus, whipped cream cheese, or yogurt. You can also thin out a smooth nut or seed butter (honey-free) and spread it very thinly on the toast strips. To further reduce choking risk, avoid bagels with dried fruit or large whole seeds. When sharing bagels with babies under 12 months of age, avoid varieties that contain honey, which is associated with a risk of infant botulism.
18 months old +:
Serve bagels untoasted or toasted, as desired, including as sandwiches. Toddlers often like to take apart a sandwich to explore what’s inside and eat the different components separately, although some children are interested in holding a sandwich together at this age. For children who are not used to eating food with mixed textures, supervise closely as they figure out how to manage the different textures in one bite. You can also begin offering bagels that contain candied citrus, dried fruit, and large whole seeds as a toddler’s chewing skills improve.
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Are bagels a choking hazard for babies?
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.
Do bagels contain common allergens?
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.
Are bagels healthy for babies?
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.
When can babies have bagel chips?
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.
Can babies eat gluten?
Yes, as long as a child does not have celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy. Read more in our Celiac FAQ.
Gluten is a type of protein in wheat and other grains such as barley, rye, and some oats. Gluten is edible, but it becomes problematic for individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease, characterized by damage of the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Some individuals may be sensitive to gluten but may not have an allergy or celiac disease. In some cases, this may be non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Talk to a health care provider if you are concerned about issues related to gluten and digestion.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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