Baking powder and soda are found in most baked products, and help them rise. This makes us wonder: can I give my baby baking powder and baking soda?

Who can resist a soft, fluffy cupcake, that absolutely melts in your mouth as soon as you take a bite? Just thinking of that has probably got you salivating hasn’t it? That’s probably why baking is seen as cathartic, and why the whole world got into a baking frenzy as soon as the lockdown began.

But are those baked goods actually good for you? We’re talking specifically about the ingredients that give them that fluffiness – baking powder and baking soda. Nearly every recipe you come across will have either of these or both of them. But are they healthy for your baby? Let’s find out!

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What is baking powder?

Baking powder is a leavening agent that is added to batter to help it rise. It is what gives baked goods volume and lightness. Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate and cream of tartar, as well as cornstarch.

When baking powder is combined with water, the acid (cream of tartar) reacts with the base (Sodium Bicarbonate), and releases carbon dioxide which causes the batter to expand and rise. The purpose of the cornstarch is to prevent the powder from clumping and also to prevent the acid and base activating when it’s under storage.

What is baking soda?

Baking soda is another leavening agent similar to baking powder. However, this consists of purely sodium bicarbonate, and does not contain an acid or a filler. The acid needs to come in the form of other ingredients in the dish, like vinegar, lemon juice, buttermilk etc.

Sodium bicarbonate originates from trona deposits. Trona are the rock deposits formed when salt lakes evaporated. These deposits are processed to form sodium carbonate, which is then further processed to make sodium bicarbonate.

Baking soda is stronger than baking powder – almost three times more. Baking soda is also used in cooking beans, as they make the water alkaline and the beans cook faster. Besides this, baking soda has a variety of household uses apart from cooking and baking, particularly in making DIY cleaning supplies.

However, the question we want answers to is this: can I give my Baby Baking Powder and Baking Soda?

Can I give my Baby Baking Powder and Baking Soda?

As wide as its usage is in baking and cooking, baking powder and baking soda are not recommended for babies under one year of age. The main reason for this is the amount of sodium. Both baking powder and baking soda are made of sodium bicarbonate, which is very high in sodium. Just 1/2 a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate contains 629 grams of sodium, which is a quarter of an adult person’s daily recommended intake.

Using baking soda to cook dried beans and pulses is also not recommended since it can result in a decrease in nutrients like B Vitamins. It can also leave behind a soapy taste if not washed off properly.

While baking powder and baking soda are both safe for use in cooking and baking, an overdose of either can be toxic, especially for infants and young children. The symptoms of an overdose include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Swelling of the feet or ankles

One healthy alternative for baking powder and baking soda when cooking for adults is using whipped egg whites which will offer the same level of volume and lightness. When cooking or baking for babies under one year of age, opt for recipes that don’t include baking powder or baking soda, like our Whole Wheat Cooker Sponge Cake.