Cinnamon and Babies: What Parents Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

Cinnamon and Babies: What Parents Need to Know? ›

Heavy exposure to cinnamon can cause stomach upset, skin or mouth irritation, and possibly problems with bleeding due to decreased blood clotting. But a sprinkle of cinnamon on your baby's food probably won't cause a problem.

Cinnamon may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note that sometimes cinnamon can cause a harmless rash on skin that it touches, such as near baby's mouth.

It's also important to know that too much cinnamon can cause additional risks and side effects, including diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and low blood pressure.

It adds a mild, sweet flavor to foods and can be safely enjoyed by most babies. Start by adding a small dash of cinnamon to a food that you know your baby tolerates. Cinnamon allergies are rare but possible.

Cinnamon oil has been known as a contact allergen since the 19th century, when sucking on cinnamon-soaked toothpicks was found to cause contact dermatitis. (14) Two components of cinnamon are known to be sensitising: cinnamon oil and cinnamic aldehyde.

Hot spices however, such as chilli, curry, hot paprika, cayenne pepper and other pepper based spice are best left until your baby is at least a year old. These spices can trigger reactions, and as they trigger pain receptors in the brain, should be introduced in very small amounts when they are eventually introduced.

Cinnamon is one of the most common spice allergy triggers. Breathing, eating, or touching the spice can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Although it's uncommon, reactions can be caused by artificial cinnamon flavor found in gum, toothpaste, and mouthwashes.

Infant Reactions

For babies who are sensitive to cinnamon, symptoms typically appear soon after the mother consumes the spice. Sensitive babies may become fussy at the breast or gassy shortly after nursing. Some babies may also react negatively to the taste or smell of cinnamon in the mother's breast milk.

Several stores, including Dollar Tree, Save A Lot and Family Dollar, sold cinnamon products that contain lead levels that could be potentially harmful to consumers, particularly children. Signs and symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity level and anemia.

While occasional use in foods is safe for most individuals, consuming large amounts of Cassia cinnamon or taking supplements with this ingredient might be dangerous, especially for children and smaller adults, as well as for individuals who already have liver disease or gastroparesis.

What are babies most allergic to? ›

The most common allergens are eggs, milk, wheat, soy, sesame, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish. It's a good idea to feed these foods to your baby before he or she turns 1, with the exception of milk in liquid form.

The most commonly suspected intolerance in babies and small children is lactose intolerance.

All types of cinnamon belong to the same family of plants, called the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon is generally regarded as safe to give to your baby in small amounts after they turn 6 months of age. Cinnamon doesn't commonly cause an allergic reaction in children or adults.

Cinnamon essential oil could be also used in aromatherapy, which is the therapeutic use of plant essential oils that can be absorbed into the body via the skin or the olfactory system.

Foods to Avoid if You Have Eczema

Certain foods, including nuts, milk, and wheat, can trigger the release of inflammation-causing T cells and immunoglobulin-E. Other foods that commonly cause eczema flare ups include eggs, dairy, soy, citrus, tomatoes, gluten, and even some spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla.

*Essential oils such as Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, and Oregano are not the best for children under 10 years as they can cause irritation and potential sensitization.

Your baby can safely eat foods containing vanilla extract right away at around 6 months of age! A common misconception is that babies can only eat foods that are bland, but… this is a myth! It's recommended to include spices, herbs, and various flavors in food for your baby from day one of starting solids.

Babies younger than 1 year old should not be given honey. That's because a type of bacteria (called Clostridium) that causes infant botulism can be found in honey. Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, with signs like poor sucking, a weak cry, constipation, and decreased muscle tone (floppiness).