Grains Food Library
When can babies have pancakes?
Can babies have pancakes?
Babies can have pancakes from about 6 months, once wheat, egg and milk have been introduced. Make them soft and cooked through, with no added sugar or salt, and cut them into finger-length strips your baby can hold. Skip syrup until age 2 and never use honey before 12 months.
How to serve pancakes by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Make soft pancakes from flour, egg and whole cow's milk, breast milk or formula, with mashed banana for sweetness and no added sugar. Cook them through, let them cool, and cut them into strips about the width of two adult fingers to hold.
7–8 months
Keep offering soft pancake strips, or spread a thin layer of mashed fruit or plain yogurt on top. Try adding oats, grated apple or pureed pumpkin to the batter.
9–12 months
Cut pancakes into small, bite-size squares for pincer practice, or make mini silver-dollar pancakes your baby can pick up.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat pancakes in strips or pieces with a fork. Top them with fruit, yogurt or a thin layer of nut butter, and keep syrup to a small drizzle after age 2.
Why it’s good
Pancakes give babies energy from flour, plus protein and choline from egg and calcium from milk. Whole-wheat flour or oats add fiber and B vitamins, and fruit or vegetables in the batter add vitamins and natural sweetness.
Safety notes
- Pancakes usually contain wheat, egg and milk. Introduce each of these allergens on its own before serving pancakes.
- Cook pancakes through so there is no wet batter in the middle, since the batter contains raw egg.
- Skip maple syrup, pancake syrup and added sugar for children under 2. Never give honey before 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.
- Boxed pancake mixes and frozen pancakes can be high in sodium and sugar. Check labels, or make pancakes at home without added salt.
- Thick, gummy pancakes can stick together in the mouth. Make them thin and soft, and offer water in an open cup with meals.
Introduce pancakes on its own, then keep it in
Pancakes are usually made with wheat flour, egg and milk, all Top 9 allergens. Introduce wheat, egg and dairy one at a time first, then watch for hives, vomiting, swelling or wheezing when you serve pancakes.
Pancakes for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about pancakes for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have pancakes?
Babies can have pancakes from about 6 months, once wheat, egg and milk have been introduced. Serve soft, fully cooked pancakes cut into strips.
Can babies have pancakes?
Yes, babies can eat soft pancakes made without added sugar or salt. They are an easy finger food for baby-led weaning and a good way to add fruit, oats or vegetables.
Are pancakes a choking hazard for babies?
Pancakes are a low choking risk when they are soft and cut for your baby's age. Make them thin so they do not turn gummy, and stay with your baby while they eat.
Are pancakes a common allergen?
Yes, pancakes usually contain wheat, egg and milk, which are Top 9 allergens. Introduce each one on its own before serving pancakes.
How do I serve pancakes to a 6 month old?
To serve pancakes to a 6 month old, make soft pancakes sweetened only with mashed banana, cook them through, and cut them into finger-length strips to hold.
Can babies have syrup on pancakes?
Babies under 2 should skip maple syrup and other added sugars. Top pancakes with mashed berries, applesauce or plain yogurt instead. Honey is unsafe before 12 months.
Are boxed pancake mixes okay for babies?
Many pancake mixes contain added sugar and quite a lot of sodium. Homemade pancakes, or a mix with low sodium and no added sugar, are better for babies.
Can I freeze pancakes for my baby?
Yes, freeze cooked pancakes between sheets of parchment for up to 3 months. Reheat them until warm all the way through, then let them cool before serving.
The takeaway
- Babies can have pancakes from about 6 months, once wheat, egg and milk have been introduced.
- Make soft pancakes from flour, egg and whole cow's milk, breast milk or formula, with mashed banana for sweetness and no added sugar.
- Choking risk is low. Wheat is one of the Top 9 allergens: offer a small amount first, watch for a reaction, then keep it in the diet regularly.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS
- Botulism Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.