Pancakes
- First taste
- 6 months
- Choking risk
- low
- Common allergen
- yes
- Iron
- low
Allergens inside · no honey · crisp edges
Contains allergens
Each new allergen is offered on its own and watched for two hours. Our allergen introduction guide is available in Turkish for now.
When can babies eat pancakes?
You can introduce pancakes once your baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months. The batter must not contain honey.
Every kitchen has some kind of pancake. Most are made by cooking batter thinly in a pan. Buckwheat blini, crepes, injera, lentil cheela, dosa, potato latkes, Korean yachaejeon and fluffy American pancakes are a few of them.
Pancakes give carbohydrates plus some protein and fat. Based on the recipe they can also supply B vitamins, folate, iron and calcium. These supply energy for growth and support bones, blood and the nervous system.
No honey
Honey carries a risk of infant botulism before 12 months. Keep it out of the batter and off the top.
How do you prepare pancakes for babies?
Homemade is easier to control
When you cook at home you pick every ingredient. Ready-made pancakes differ from brand to brand, so read the ingredient list each time.
Are boxed mixes fine
Yes. Boxed mixes can be high in salt and sugar. Early on babies eat only small amounts, so this is not a problem. A little sodium is also needed for fluid balance. Offer pancakes as one of many different meals.
Preparation by age
The same food is served differently at each age. What matters is how your baby sits, grasps and chews, more than the calendar.
6 months
6 months · How to prepare as stripsstrip
Cut: Finger strip
Cut the pancake into strips about as thick as two adult fingers. If your baby struggles to take it, hold the strip up in the air and let them grab it. A fresh or toasted pancake with a crisp edge sticks less in the mouth. A very dry pancake can get a little butter or a thin coat of applesauce or yogurt. Thin ones such as crepes, dosa and injera may cling to the tongue and fall apart in the hand. Swap the strip for a new one once it gets too small. Do not serve pancakes made with honey or drizzled with it.
9 months
9 months · How to prepare as small piecescube
Cut any kind of pancake into bite-size pieces, or keep offering strips so your baby can practice biting and tearing. If your baby stuffs the mouth, hand over one piece at a time. When you add vegetables to the batter, grate them or cook them until very soft. Do not give pancakes that contain honey.
12 months
12 months · How to prepare as a whole pancakeslice
Keep offering pancake as strips or small pieces. You can now also hand over a whole pancake for bite practice. An age-appropriate fork or spoon is welcome, but do not expect steady use until your child is closer to 2 or 3 years old.
Is pancakes a choking hazard for babies?
Choking risk: low
The risk is low. Dry pancake can stick in the mouth and cause gagging. Offer water alongside and cut it to suit your baby's age.
Properly prepared pancake carries a low choking risk. Even so, any food can cause choking.
Dry pancake turns sticky once it mixes with saliva and can make a baby gag. A cup of water on the side helps. Serve pancake as strips or small pieces that suit your baby's age. Stay close while your baby eats and keep them seated upright.
Is pancakes a common allergen?
Pancakes are usually made with wheat flour, egg and milk. Based on the recipe they can also include sesame, soy, seafood, peanut or tree nuts.
Introduce each of these allergens on its own before serving pancakes. That way, if a reaction happens you know which one caused it. By the time you serve pancakes you can be sure your baby has already eaten each ingredient safely.
Give a small amount the first few times. If there is no reaction, increase the portion slowly.
Read the label
Check the ingredient list on ready-made pancakes every time.
Key nutrients
Frequently asked questions about pancakes
Can babies have pancakes from a boxed mix?
Yes. Boxed mixes can be high in salt and sugar, but babies eat little. Some sodium is needed too. Just make sure no honey was added.
Can I put honey on pancakes?
Not before 12 months. Honey carries a risk of infant botulism. You can spread applesauce or yogurt on top instead.
Are pancakes healthy for babies?
Yes. They give carbohydrates plus some protein and fat. Calcium, iron and folate depend on the recipe. Adding vegetables or egg to the batter raises its value.
Sources for this page
- CDC, Infant and Toddler Nutrition. (n.d.). Choking Hazards.
- Dünya Sağlık Örgütü. (2023). Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6-23 months of age.
- Halken S, Muraro A, de Silva D, Khaleva E, Angier E, Arasi S, et al. (2021). EAACI guideline: Preventing the development of food allergy in infants and young children (2020 update). European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. doi:10.1111/pai.13496
Guides on iron, allergen introduction, gagging and drinks. Read the starting solids guides
Medical note
This page is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your pediatrician before any feeding decision, especially about allergen introduction and reactions.
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Astro Tasarım Simay Yenice · Türkiye · merhaba@lokmini.com