Cinnamon
Herb/Spice
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have cinnamon?
Cinnamon may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that sometimes cinnamon can cause a harmless contact rash on skin that it touches, such as near baby’s mouth.
Cinnamon comes from a tropical evergreen tree whose bark and leaves are used to make essential oil and spice. Like all plants, there are different varieties with distinctive aroma, flavor, and texture. Ceylon cinnamon—named after the term that colonizers used for the island of Sri Lanka, the plant’s native home—has a delicate, sweeter flavor than cassia cinnamon, a group of pungent varieties (also called Korintje cinnamon and Saigon cinnamon) from trees that still grow wild in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries.
How do you serve cinnamon 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 +:
Sprinkle finely ground cinnamon on well-cooked fruit or vegetables, mix into warm cereals or coconut rice, or incorporate into marinades or sauces. You can also flavor dishes by adding whole cinnamon sticks during the cooking process; just make sure to remove the cinnamon sticks before serving.
12 months old +:
Use finely ground cinnamon in recipes as desired, from curried vegetables, to spicy jerk sauces, to hearty keema, and vegetarian pho. You can also flavor dishes by adding whole cinnamon sticks during the cooking process; just make sure to remove the cinnamon sticks before serving.
Videos
Is cinnamon a choking hazard for babies?
No. Both whole cinnamon sticks and finely ground cinnamon present 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 cinnamon in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. 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.
Is cinnamon a common allergen?
No. Cinnamon allergy is uncommon, although individuals with asthma may be sensitive to cinnamon if it is inhaled. A more common occurrence is when cinnamon causes a harmless and temporary rash when it comes in contact with skin. This contact rash is typically an irritant, rather than an allergic reaction.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small amount during the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.
Is cinnamon safe for babies?
Yes, cinnamon is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking. Since research is limited on their safety, avoid cinnamon supplements and essential oils as home remedies for baby.
Is cinnamon healthy for babies?
Yes. While cinnamon isn’t usually consumed in large amounts, cinnamon offers a small amount of a variety of vitamins and minerals, in addition to a variety of beneficial plant compounds, including cinnamaldehyde and various polyphenols. Research also suggests that cinnamon may offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties to support baby’s overall health and wellbeing.
How do I calm my own nerves around starting solids?
Knowledge and practice with rescue maneuvers. Parents and caregivers who watch the choking and rescue videos in our Starting Solids bundle often share how confident they feel.
Does baby need a high chair?
While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
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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