Ghee is a beneficial source of nutrition that helps in the mental and physical growth of children. It is rich in nutrients including fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Ghee also consists of vital compounds such as CLA, short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids. Adding ghee to the regular diet of babies and toddlers is beneficial for them.
When Can Babies Start Eating Ghee?
It is recommended that infants under 6 months of age be on breastmilk or formula milk. Ghee can be introduced to babies as early as 6-7 months when it is considered safe for them to start on semi-solids. Ghee adds flavor to the food and thus helps not only in weaning off but also in developing the palate.
How Much Ghee Should Babies Consume?
With ghee, you should always exercise moderation, not only for adults but also while giving it to babies. For a baby between 6-9 months of age, a small drop of ghee will suffice. The recommended amounts of ghee for babies and toddlers are –
| Age of the Child | Total Amount of Ghee Per Day | No. of Servings You Should Offer Per Day
(ghee offered in all the daily servings combined should not exceed the total amount of ghee per day) |
| 6 Months | ½ teaspoon | 2 |
| 8 Months | ¾ – 1 teaspoon | 2 |
| 10 Months | 1 – 1 ¼ teaspoons | 3 |
| 1 Year | 1 – 1 ½ teaspoons | 3 |
| 2 Years | 1 ½ – 2 teaspoons | 3 |
For infants less than 1-year-old, you can add ghee to mashed rice, dal or dal ka pani, mashed veggies, or any food that you are offering to the babies. Post 1 year, you can use it as a spread on roti or even make pooris and parathas in ghee.
7 Benefits of Ghee for Babies
Ghee is a super ingredient and can be used in food as well as body oil for babies. It provides your babies with a wholesome source of nutrition. Here are 7 ways that ghee benefits the little ones.
1. Ghee as Massage Oil for Babies
Even before ghee is introduced as food, it is used as a massage oil for babies. It has oleic acid that makes the skin smoother, hydrated, and supple, and improves the texture of the skin. Warm ghee massage is given in winters since it also protects from cold.
2. Ghee Boosts Immunity in Babies
Cow ghee contains immune-boosting properties. The lipids found in cow ghee helps in gut maturation and improve immunity. It has also antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties that protect against infections, colds, and coughs
3. Ghee Improves Digestion and Metabolism
Ghee has butyric acid (a short-chain fatty acid) that helps in proper digestion. It also stimulates the secretion of stomach acid that aids digestion. Ghee also helps in relieving gas that many infants tend to suffer from. Moreover, the saturated fatty acids that are present in ghee are easy to digest. Kids are more active with a healthy metabolism.
4. Ghee Aids in Healthy Weight Gain and Gives Energy
Weight gain is an important growth milestone for babies. Ghee contains CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) that assists in increasing bone mass and reducing unhealthy fat.
Babies also need a lot of energy for proper development and growth. Since ghee has a high content of saturated fat and calories, it is a robust source of energy and stamina.
5. Ghee Supports Brain Development in babies
The brain develops most in the early years of childhood. Ghee contains Omega 3 fatty acid (DHA) that boosts brain development in children. The vitamins A, D, E, and K present in ghee also help to enhance mental and cognitive abilities.
6. Ghee as a Remedy For Cold, Cough, and Dry skin
Ghee has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. For babies, it can help to relieve sore throat and dry cough.
- Mix ghee and freshly powdered peppercorns and give it to your baby if they are suffering from dry cough.
- You can also heat ghee and put some peppercorns. When the ghee cools down, remove the peppercorns and give the infused ghee to the baby.
If your baby is suffering from a cold, you can massage with warm ghee infused with garlic. It provides instant relief for colds and congestion.
Ghee is an excellent moisturiser for the skin. If your baby’s skin is dry or itchy, you can gently apply ghee over the affected area. It has anti-inflammatory properties and hence can be effective in controlling eczema as well.
7. Ghee Enhances Bone Health
Ghee is rich in Vitamin D which is essential for healthy and strong bones in babies. CLA present in ghee also helps to increase bone mass. Regular massage with cow ghee also strengthens the bones. That is why ghee massage of babies is an old tradition still practised in India.
Conclusion
Ghee lends many advantages when given to babies. It boosts mental and physical growth, strengthens bone health, enhances immunity, and moisturises the skin.
When given in the recommended amount, ghee becomes a valuable source of nutrition for your kids.
However, with the market being flooded with many kinds of ghee, ensure that you give only the best cow ghee to your child. Ghee made from A2 cow milk is the most healthy and best suited for your little one. Shahji A2 cow ghee is not only made of pure A2 cow milk, it also involves the traditional bilona process for preserving the nutrients.
