Ghee for Babies – Is It Safe?

Ghee, is a nutty-flavored butter that has a strong aroma.  It is prepared by slowly boiling the butter until all the water has evaporated and the fat has separated, leaving only the milk solids.  These milk solids are then boiled for a few minutes, giving them a nutty aroma and taste.  Ghee is a good source of nutrition and including it in your baby’s diet can be extremely beneficial for him/her. 

Nutritional Value of Ghee

• Ghee is rich in essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-9.
• It contains vitamins A, D, E, and K. The Vitamin K and Vitamin D in ghee are essential for bone development, as it helps in calcium production.
• Ghee contains 108 micrograms of Vitamin A per tablespoon, which is 12-15% of the daily recommended allowance for us.
• Ghee is known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.  Its antioxidant properties help eliminate harmful free radicals. 
• Ghee is known to aid digestion, improve immunity, and eyesight.
• Ghee may also help remove carcinogens from the body, according to some studies (carcinogens are chemicals that cause cancer).  Clarified butter has also been shown to reduce the enzymatic activity in the liver responsible for activating these carcinogens. 
• Studies have also shown that ghee can help lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. 
• Ghee contains DHA, which helps in brain development and improves memory.

When to include ghee in your child’s diet 

Ghee can be included in your baby’s diet from the age of 6 months.  You can start by adding a few drops to your baby’s lentil and rice khichdi.  You can gradually increase this amount as the baby grows.  However, you should make sure you don’t exceed one teaspoon per day.  As with anything else, ghee should be consumed in moderation. 

How Much Ghee Can You Give to Your Baby?

Ghee is very beneficial for the growth and development of your baby.  However, it is important to consume a limited amount of ghee per day.  Excess ghee can cause digestive problems, loss of appetite, and being overweight.  This table indicates the amount of ghee and the number of servings that are appropriate for your baby’s age. 

How Much Ghee to Give Your Baby
Age of Baby	Quantity of Ghee	No. of Servings Per Day
6 months	½ teaspoon	2
8 months	¾ to 1 teaspoon	2
10 months	1 to 1 ¼ teaspoon	3
1 year	1 to 1 ½ teaspoon	3
2 years	1 ½ to 2 teaspoons	3

How to Include Ghee in Your Child’s Diet

Ghee can be included in your child’s diet in various ways.  You can start by adding a few drops of ghee to dal or khichdi.  You can also add ghee to vegetable purees or mashed potatoes.  A few drops of ghee can also be added to the baby’s porridge.  For young children, you can put ghee on chapati or paratha instead of butter.  Ghee can also be used in small amounts in place of cooking oil.  You can use ghee in place of regular salted butter on baking as well.