Cheerios & O-Shaped Cereal

Original Cheerios and other O-shaped cereals may be introduced around 9 months of age if the cereal is honey-free. To read more about why babies should not have honey before 12 months of age, see our honey page.

Cheerios were invented in 1941 under the name “Cheerioats.” General Mills used what was then a novel technology to “puff” the oats—a now ubiquitous method in processed foods. Tasting these foods begins with a satisfying crunch that dissolves into smooth, soft texture. There are nearly 20 different Cheerios varieties available (some seasonal or only available in certain parts of the world), and countless other brands have imitated the cereal’s iconic shape. Since their invention, Cheerios have been marketed to children, and the brand’s efforts have paid off: the cereal is among the most popular processed foods for many babies and toddlers.

Yes, if they are the “Original Cheerios” variety. Original Cheerios are low in sugar, fortified with iron, and offer a decent amount of fiber, plus other important nutrients such as calcium, folate, and zinc.

Cheerios do contain tripotassium phosphate, a preservative and stabilizer. Phosphates are added to many processed foods and are generally thought to be safe in limited amounts, but research suggests that added phosphates in processed foods can contribute to excess phosphate intake. While this is not thought to be an issue for healthy individuals, those with preexisting kidney conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of phosphates and should work closely with their primary care provider for individualized guidance around phosphates.

★Tip: When shopping for dry cereals for infants, look for cereals that are low in sugar (ideally less than 5 g of added sugar per serving, though a little more won't hurt) and fortified with iron.

Yes, but only after 12 months of age. Honey Nut Cheerios contain honey, which carries the risk of infant botulism. Babies under 12 months of age are most at risk of this serious illness. Other flavored Cheerios are safe for babies before the first birthday, but try to hold off until a child is older—these other varieties are typically higher in sugar and sodium compared to the Original version.

It depends on the type. Original Cheerios are not currently made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), although other varieties are made using GMO grains including corn, rice, and wheat. If avoiding GMOs (and the pesticides they are designed to withstand) is important to you, opt for Original Cheerios or organic cereal brands. To be labeled as “organic” in the United States, the food cannot be genetically modified, among other guidelines.

It depends on an individual’s sensitivity to gluten and where you live. Oats, the main grain in Original Cheerios, are naturally gluten-free but are highly susceptible to cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains such as wheat and barley. While General Mills labels some of their Cheerios products as gluten-free, celiac advocacy groups have questioned the safety of the company’s gluten-free practices. Uncle Tobys Original Cheerios (sold in Australia and New Zealand) are not gluten free, as they contain wheat. Ultimately, whether or not to include Cheerios as part of a gluten-free diet is a personal decision to be made with the counsel of your child’s primary care provider or gastroenterologist.

No, though in theory an individual can choke on any food. Cheerios dissolve easily, requiring only a small amount of liquid (including saliva) to become mushy in texture, so there is little chewing needed to break the food down. If you find Cheerios are sticking to baby’s tongue and causing a fair amount of gagging, try soaking them in breast milk, formula, cow’s milk, or water. It is important to note that some other brands of O-shaped cereals do not dissolve as easily as Cheerios and thus pose more of a choking risk, but if baby is self-feeding, the overall choking risk remains low. Never place food in baby’s mouth. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

It depends on the variety. Certain types of Cheerios contain common food allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat. As always, be sure to read the label before purchasing, as product ingredients can change.

Original Cheerios are made from oats, which are not a common trigger for IgE-mediated allergies. However, reactions to oats have been reported, particularly when the grains are applied to the skin of sensitive individuals.

Oats and other oat products are a known trigger of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, also known as FPIES. FPIES is a rare and delayed allergy to food protein which causes the sudden onset of repetitive vomiting and diarrhea to begin a few hours after ingestion of the food trigger. Left untreated, the reaction can result in significant dehydration. Fortunately, most cases resolve completely during early childhood. To learn more about FPIES, read our post on Food Allergens and Babies.

If a child has celiac disease, know that there is ongoing debate regarding the safety of Cheerios for individuals with celiac disease. Despite oats being naturally gluten-free, many oat and oat products can commonly be cross contaminated with gluten-containing grains (such as wheat, barley, and rye), rendering them no longer gluten-free. Uncle Tobys Original Cheerios (sold in Australia and New Zealand) contain wheat and are therefore not gluten free. Celiac disease requires a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet and lifestyle. A gluten “allergy” is typically a misnomer, often in reference to celiac disease. When in doubt, talk to the child’s primary care provider for more individualized guidance.

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. Cheerios are primarily made from whole grain oats and thus provide good amounts of fiber that, in combination with a balanced and varied diet, can help support overall digestive health and bowel regularity.