Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a nutty-flavoured butter that has a strong aroma. It is made by slowly boiling butter until all the water gets evaporated and the fat is separated, leaving behind only milk solids. These milk solids are then simmered for a few minutes, giving them an aroma and a nutty taste. Ghee is a good source of nutrition, and including ghee in your baby’s diet can be extremely beneficial for her.
Ghee can be included in your baby’s diet from the age of 6 months. You can begin by adding a few drops to your baby’s lentil and rice khichdi. You can gradually increase this quantity as the baby grows. However, you should ensure that you do not exceed one teaspoon per day. As with anything else, ghee should be consumed in moderation.
Ghee is very beneficial for your baby’s growth and development. However, it is important to consume a limited amount of ghee per day. Excess ghee can cause digestive problems, loss of appetite, and 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 |
Ghee can be included in your baby’s diet in various ways. You can start by adding a few drops of ghee to the baby’s dal or khichdi. You can also add ghee to the baby’s vegetable puree or mashed potatoes. A few drops of ghee can also be added to the baby’s porridge. For toddlers, you can apply ghee on chapatis or parathas instead of butter. Ghee can also be used in small quantities instead of cooking oil. You can use ghee instead of regular salted butter on bread as well.
Consuming moderate quantities of ghee can be beneficial for infants. If you are wondering whether ghee is good for babies, here is a list of the various ways in which ghee benefits your baby:
Too much of anything can be bad, and the same applies to ghee. When taken in moderate amounts, ghee has amazing health benefits. However, excessive consumption of ghee can cause problems in the body. It causes indigestion and loss of appetite. Since ghee is high in fat and calories, it can also cause obesity and heart disease when consumed in excessive quantities. Therefore, it is important to limit the consumption of ghee to 1 or 1 ½ teaspoons per day for babies.
Ghee has great health benefits for a growing baby if taken in limited quantities. When babies are weaned off of mother’s milk, they begin to lose weight. Giving them ghee can help them gain and maintain the weight appropriate for their age. Ghee is also high in calories, and so can be fed to toddlers who require a lot more energy once they start walking. However, it is always best to consult your baby’s doctor before making any dietary changes.
Resources and References: Healthline