Crackers

It depends on the type. Because crackers are common choking hazards and tend to contain high amounts of sodium, it is best to wait until after the first birthday to share soft crackers (styles that melt in the mouth or easily crumble when gently pressed like Goldfish crackers, Ritz crackers, Saltines, and water biscuits, among others). Hard, brittle, or sharp crackers should be reserved for when a child has more advanced eating skills, typically around 24 months of age. Before serving any cracker to a baby or toddler, first make sure it is not stale, as the consistency of stale crackers can heighten the choking risk. 

Note: Crackers often contain common allergens like dairy, egg, sesame, soy, tree nut, and wheat, and may contain honey, which should not be offered to babies under 12 months of age as it is associated with a risk of infant botulism.

Make sure to serve crackers in an age-appropriate way, as they are named as a potential choking hazard for babies and toddlers.

Crackers are consumed worldwide in many forms, such as crispbread, graham crackers, kropek (prawn crackers), matzah, oat cake, and papadum. Some are leavened with baking soda, while others are unleavened. Some cracker varieties are “docked” before baking, which means they are poked with holes so that they don’t puff up too much in the heat, helping them stay flat and crispy. Crackers can be made of almond flour, puffed rice, wheat flour, and much more. Many are served with a cheese or spread, while others are offered on the side of a meal for dipping.  

It depends on the type. Teething rusks and other infant crackers and biscuits are generally safe, but offer very little nutritional value on their own. Consider serving infant crackers or biscuits with nutrient-dense spreads and dips to boost baby’s fat and nutrient intake. 

Depending on the type, crackers can offer various B vitamins, folate, and a dash of iron into a toddler’s diet, and when they are made with whole grains, they can offer lots of fiber for digestive health. However, many crackers contain honey, which should not be offered to babies because it is associated with a risk of infant botulism.

Yes. Crackers are a common choking hazard, and most styles are firm and sharp, which can make them more challenging to chew and more likely to scratch or poke a child’s mouth. To reduce the risk, serve age-appropriate styles of cracker to baby, make sure the crackers are not stale, and make sure the child is seated and focused while eating. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of the child during meals. For more information on choking, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Yes. Crackers are commonly made with wheat and other gluten-containing grains, and may contain other common allergens such as dairy, peanut, sesame, soy, tree nuts, and others. Read any ingredient label carefully before serving. 

Prior to sharing crackers with baby, it is important to introduce common food allergens and rule out an allergy before serving those allergens together in a prepared food. This way, you’ll be able to identify which allergen is responsible if baby has a reaction. Then, when you are ready to offer crackers, you will be confident that the child has already safely eaten any common food allergens in the food.

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.

Hold off on serving thicker-style puffed rice cakes until 18 months of age and the child has more mature eating skills. That said, babies can have thin-style puffed rice cakes as soon as they are developmentally ready for solids, around 6 months of age, since these soften readily on contact with saliva, which reduces choking risk. When possible, look for thin, soft multi-grain cakes. Note that any kind of puffed rice cake can become more challenging to eat when stale.

No. In general, crackers tend to be low in fiber, which slows the processes of digestion and pooping. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.