This blog post is written in proud and paid partnership with our friends at What About Wheat? We can’t wait for you to dive into this one!
It’s go time!
Your baby is starting to show signs that they’re ready for solid foods. You’re excited, you’re nervous, you’re not ready for your newborn days to be over just yet! But alas, time won’t hold up for you, and so you do all-the-things to get ready for that first bite.
You buy the high chair and grab a couple cute bibs.
You stock up on avocados, sweet potatoes, and bananas – since that’s what you see babies eating on social media.
You discover that iron is critical at this age, so you learn how to safely offer high iron foods (thanks to Happy Healthy Eater’s e-course, of course -insert winky face).
Thankfully, your baby takes to solids easily and is enjoying a variety of veggies, fruit, meat, and other sources of iron.
Then one day when you’re eating toast, you look over and notice that your baby’s eyes are glued to your every move and it’s very apparent they want to try some too! So, you ask yourself:
“What about wheat? Can my baby eat wheat yet?”
Somehow, in all the chatter about starting solids, when to introduce wheat sometimes gets lost in the noise. And, unfortunately, some of the louder voices are spreading misinformation.
We’re here, as Registered Dietitians with a focus on infant nutrition, to clarify exactly when, how, and why to introduce wheat to your baby!
Table of Contents
When should I introduce wheat into my baby’s diet?
As soon as your baby is developmentally ready to start solids, your baby can start enjoying foods made from wheat! Depending on your baby’s age and stage, there are a wide variety of ways you can offer wheat (more on that in the ‘how’ section!).
Wheat is one of the top allergens in Canada – many people are surprised to learn this! In case you’re curious, there are eleven top priority allergens in total, including wheat.
The latest research on food allergy prevention shows that offering these foods both early and often can increase the odds that your baby will tolerate them.
So what exactly does early mean?
We don’t have research to pinpoint the exact ideal time to introduce the top allergens (and there may not be one single point in time) but essentially, once your baby starts solids at around six months you have the green light to start introducing these top allergens, including wheat!
And what does often mean?
When testing to see if your baby tolerates a food, it’s not a “one and done” scenario. Don’t you wish it was that easy!? Once you’ve introduced wheat and have not observed any signs of an allergy, then you’ll want to keep offering wheat in some form at least twice a week.
Consuming wheat frequently keeps signaling to the immune system “hey, this food is a-ok, no need to ring the alarm!”.
But…can my baby digest wheat?
Yes! Around four months, your baby’s digestive system contains all of the enzymes that are needed to break down and absorb food including all grains.
You might hear rumors that a baby cannot digest starch (the main form of carbohydrates in wheat), or that they need molars first, but a lot of this is misinformation that isn’t rooted in proper evidence. We’re dietitians- we love the science of food and we’re committed to evidence informed practice. So, we’re here to tell you again – you can absolutely offer your baby wheat-based foods. It’s safe, and recommended!
That was the short version, if you want the long version, keep reading 🙂
In order for the body to break down starch, it needs enzymes, of which the predominant one is called amylase. This is produced in both the saliva, where it gets mixed with food in the mouth and the pancreas, where it gets excreted into the small intestine.
It’s true that babies are born without the ability to produce pancreatic amylase. This is likely where the myth that babies can’t digest starch originates. However, a multitude of studies show that babies as young as one to three months of age can digest and tolerate consumption of grains (not that we’re saying start solids this early). It appears that salivary amylase, along with other enzymes babies produce, is sufficient.
Remember – when babies start solids, they aren’t going to be eating the same quantity that adults do. It’s likely that the body holds a lot of wisdom – when humans start to eat larger quantities of starch, pancreatic amylase production kicks in to meet the need!
Additionally, fruits and veggies also contain starch. So by the same false logic, if babies couldn’t digest grains, they also wouldn’t be able to digest fruits and veggies which is thankfully, false.
What if Celiac disease runs in my family?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body is intolerant to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The treatment for this condition is to eliminate all traces of gluten from one’s diet.
Autoimmune conditions typically have a genetic component. Many families that have a history of Celiac disease wonder if they should avoid or delay offering gluten containing grains to their babies.
The current guidelines are actually the opposite! Introducing gluten between four to six months of age may be protective against the development of Celiac disease. Several studies, in both children at average risk and those at increased risk, show that introducing gluten containing grains in small amounts as soon as baby starts solids doesn’t increase the risk of developing Celiac disease and may actually help to prevent it.
Since Celiac disease is prominent in Jess’ family, she actually chose to introduce wheat as her first baby’s very first food!
Nutrition benefits of wheat for your baby
Wheat is a nutritional powerhouse that supports your baby’s rapid growth and development.
Let’s break down some of the key nutrients found in wheat and why they matter for your little one:
Folate:
This essential B vitamin plays a critical role in healthy cell division and DNA formation. Since the mandatory folate fortification of flour began, there has been a significant reduction in neural tube defects, which is a big deal for expecting and new parents. Folate is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as infancy and pregnancy.
B Vitamins:
Have you heard of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin? These vitamins are crucial for converting carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into usable energy and they are all a part of the mandatory fortification of wheat in Canada. Since babies are constantly growing and developing, their energy needs are higher. These B vitamins ensure that their bodies can access energy efficiently.
Iron:
If we were allowed to have favourites…this might be it. Iron is a vital nutrient, especially when starting solids, as babies’ natural iron stores from birth begin to deplete around six months. Wheat is fortified with iron as well and many infant cereals have even more iron to meet the increased need for babies. Iron is really important for supporting oxygen transport and optimal brain development.
Carbohydrates:
Babies are working hard to triple their birth weight by the end of the first year, and carbohydrates are a key energy source. Wheat-based foods provide readily available energy to fuel your baby’s active growth, learning, and movement.
But there’s more! If you’re offering whole wheat products, your baby will also benefit from…
Fibre & Prebiotics:
Whole grain foods and other fibre-rich foods such as wheat, contain prebiotics.
You might be wondering, what’s the big deal with prebiotics? Prebiotic fibre is broken down by gut bacteria through fermentation, a process that eventually produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs can:
– Lower gut pH, fostering an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive
– Strengthen the gut barrier, enhancing its protective functions
– Boost the absorption of essential minerals
– Supply energy both to our gut bacteria and to our own bodies
Basically, wheat can support healthy digestion and feed beneficial gut bacteria, laying the foundation for good gut health.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are natural substances found in foods that help protect our bodies from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Think of antioxidants as tiny superheroes that fight to keep our cells healthy and strong. Nutrients like vitamin E, selenium, and phytochemicals in whole wheat are exactly that – antioxidants! They help protect your baby’s developing cells from oxidative damage, which is crucial for long-term health.
How can I introduce wheat to my baby? (9 ways)
Iron-Fortified Wheat Cereal: This is a great first step. Mix it with breast milk, formula, or water to create a smooth, spoon-fed texture that’s easy for your baby to handle.
You might be interested in: Baby Cereal 101 – a comprehensive guide
Cream of Wheat: Prepare this warm and comforting dish as a soft cereal, making sure it cools to a safe temperature before serving. You can mix in a little puréed fruit for added nutrients and flavour.
