When Can I Give Ghee To My Baby?

6 min read

Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

when can i give ghee to my baby

When it comes to your child, you’d want nothing but the best. Breast milk is the premium and complete source of nourishment for an infant till 6 months of age. But as the child grows s/he needs more than just breast milk – for his optimum growth and development. Often parents get confused when it comes to the diet of a baby. Many people prefer ghee to the baby once they start solids. Is it the right decision?

Pediatricians recommend semi-solid food, rich in iron and proteins like pureed fruits, dalia, starchy vegetables, ghee (clarified butter), vegetable stock, etc., which can be easily digested. While all the options mentioned above seem healthy and nutritious many people are skeptical when it comes to giving ghee or clarified butter to their infants. Let us weigh the pros and cons before coming up with a definitive conclusion.

In This Article

What is Ghee?

If you are an Indian, you would be very familiar with ghee. Many households still prepare this simple butter. The exotic name is derived from the Sanskrit word (गोघृत go-ghṛit). Ghee is essentially prepared from cow’s milk by simmering butter obtained from cream.

It separates from the cream, leaving a liquid residue, with a yellowish color and a strong fragrance. Not only in food, but ghee in India is also used in many medicines and religious rituals. Many households still resort to making ghee at home, which is cheaper and better than the packaged ghee available in the market.

Nutritional Value Of Ghee

Ghee is a calorie-dense food. A 100 ml serving of ghee contains 883 calories. Ghee’s micronutrients vary depending on the diet of the cows that supplied its milk. Cows that are fed high-quality food produce high-quality milk, and the ghee made from that milk contains a high concentration of micronutrients. Normally,

  • Ghee is high in healthy fats, as well as vitamins A, E, K, and D.
  • It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Ghee may contain trace amounts of protein from the milk solids.

Is Ghee Good for the Baby?

Yes! It most definitely is. Ghee, when given in the right amount, can be very beneficial. It contains saturated fatty acids and is easily digested and can boost the caloric and fat intake of a baby. It is a general misconception that ghee provides the same nutritional value as butter.

Unlike butter, ghee is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and, if consumed in moderate amounts, can help tremendously with the growth and development of a baby. You must avoid salt for babies till they are a year old, so adding a bit of ghee to their food will boost the flavor.

[Read: Is It Safe To Add Salt In Baby Food]

When Can I Give Ghee to My Baby?

You can introduce ghee as soon as your munchkin is ready for solids, which is usually around 6 months. Anytime during and after the 6th month is a good time to start ghee for babies. Pediatricians suggest that you start with a few drops of ghee added to your baby’s solid meal. Ghee will not only add a little bit of flavor but will also help the baby to digest the food easily. Although ghee is packed with goodness it is essential that you make sure that you don’t go overboard with the quantities of ghee you feed your little one. Avoid ghee till your baby is at least 6 months old

How Much Ghee Can I Give My Baby?

You can start with a few drops of ghee in your baby’s food and depending on how your baby likes the taste; you can vary the quantity accordingly. As your baby grows, you can gradually increase the quantity of ghee in the diet. But make sure that you do not go beyond a teaspoon per day.

If you have a baby who is underweight, giving ghee in large quantities is not advisable, and it is best to seek the advice of your baby’s pediatrician. Where the right amounts of ghee can be wonderful for your baby’s health, unreasonably large amounts can be equally detrimental to your little one’s health.

Benefits of Ghee for the Baby

Benefits of ghee for baby

Ghee is one of the healthiest sources of fat. Even the ancient Ayurvedic traditions regard ghee as the golden elixir. There are several benefits of ghee, some of which are mentioned below.

1. Helps in Bone Development

Ghee is known to be rich in Vitamin K2, which helps to produce calcium. Calcium is essential for the bone development of your baby. Ghee not only strengthens and develops the baby’s bones, but it also helps with the lubrication of the bones. The best thing about ghee is that unlike other substitutes of fat like butter or margarine, ghee does not deposit or clog the arteries hence reducing risks of heart problems in the future.

2. Helps in Brain Development

Ghee has an accurate amount of DHA and EPA, which, along with Vitamin A, D, E, and K that helps in brain development. Ghee is also known to improve memory which will help your infant in the long run.

[Read: DHA and Brain Development of Children]

3. Helps to Build Strong Metabolism

It is recommended that you add a few drops of ghee to your baby’s semi-solid food like dal, khichdi, or dalia. A little bit of ghee will help your baby to digest the food easily. Ghee is rich in Vitamins A and E which strengthens the immune system. The Vitamin K2 and CLA present in ghee help improve metabolism as well.

4. Helps to Gain Weight

Mother’s milk is the primary source of fat for a child. During the 8th or 9th month when the child begins to walk, he needs the extra calories. It is advisable to give an adequate amount of ghee to the baby to maintain the balance.

5. Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Ghee is enriched with Omega 3 and Omega 9 which will help prevent skin disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and digestive problems. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, D, E, and K which helps in the overall growth of the baby.

6. Ensures Long Term Benefits

Regular consumption of ghee in moderate amounts will keep tissue-related diseases like cancer at bay. It provides better immunity against cold, cough, and fever. It also keeps your cholesterol in check. Find out how much ghee you should give your baby here.

Other Uses of Ghee for Your Baby

There are various other ways and benefits of using ghee. Ghee, when warmed with garlic, will help with minor cough, cold, and congestion. Rubbing warm ghee on your baby’s chest in case of cough and congestion is a tried and tested home remedy in many Indian households. Ghee may also be used to massage your baby, but many child specialists advise against it as it may clog the pores. To know some of the best massage oil for your baby click here.

Is it Risky to Give Too Much Ghee to a Baby?

Just like all other things, excessive use of ghee has been also bad. When it comes to ghee and other sources of fat, a little bit goes a long way. While a little bit of ghee helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, using and consuming excessive amounts can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Ghee has a higher smoke point, hence cooking it for more than the required time can burn the nutrition in the food.

Planning your baby’s diet chart can get tricky. Even if after reading various articles and consulting pediatricians you seem unsure; we recommend you go by the simple rule that ‘What is good for you is good for the baby’. Do not bring drastic changes to your baby’s diet. Give your infant ample time to get familiar with various foods and most importantly, exercise moderation with any type of food when it comes to your baby. If you have already been given ghee to your baby, do share with us your experiences in the comments below.
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FAQ’s

1. Is Ghee Healthier Than Butter for my Baby?

Yes, it is. Many recent studies show ghee has healthier fats than butter. Also, when ghee is made at home, it is free of any adulteration.

2. Can I Give Ghee to my Baby to Help Them Gain Weight?

Yes, you can, ghee is a good option for weight gain, check with your pediatrician if your baby in fact requires to gain weight drastically.

3. Does Ghee Enhance the Flavor of the Food for a Baby?

Yes, it does. Apart from adding essential fats to the food, it makes it tasty. Some babies might love this taste.

4. Is it Compulsory to Add Ghee to my 9-Month Old’s Diet?

No, not necessary. Ghee is packed with nutrients and taste. If you are vegan, or if your baby does not like the taste, you can avoid it by all means.

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Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

Responses (2)

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R

Ruchi

Feb 13, 2017

My 10 months old loves paratha made of Ghee and he loves roti with Ghee.

A

archana

Nov 07, 2016

Wonderful information, thank you!

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