Allergen note
Bagels contain common allergens like wheat, sesame, and potentially dairy or egg; introduce a tiny, soft piece of a plain bagel separately after other allergenic foods have been safely introduced.
How to serve
For infants 9+ months, serve a thin, toasted bagel strip (1-2 inches long) for easy gumming; for toddlers, offer a half bagel, toasted and cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Preparation
Toast the bagel to soften it slightly, then cut it into a thick, finger-sized strip for easy gripping, ensuring it is soft enough to gum but won't break into hard chunks.
Texture and choking risk
Bagels are a high choking risk; always serve minimally toasted and cut into thin, matchstick-sized strips, not circular pieces, with close adult supervision.
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries bagel, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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