Can my baby eat desi ghee?

Reviewed by Dr Abhas Gupta, MBBS, MD, DNB (Paediatrics), PDCC (Paediatric Rheumatology) • About Dr Abhas Gupta (Bio) • Last reviewed: 16 October 2026

The short answer

Desi ghee is safe and recommended for babies starting from 6 months of age (180 days) when starting solids.

How to serve at each age

  • 6 Months: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon stirred warm into purees, dal, or ragi porridge
  • 7 to 8 Months: 1/2 teaspoon mixed into warm moong dal khichdi or suji kheer
  • 9 to 11 Months: Lightly spread onto soft rotis, parathas, or mixed into vegetable mash
  • 12+ Months: 1 to 2 teaspoons across family meals, dals, and khichdi

Safety & choking prevention

  • Start with just a few drops (1/4 tsp) to monitor digestive tolerance. Avoid excessive amounts which can cause loose stools.

Allergy notes

Contains trace milk solids. Most lactose-intolerant babies tolerate pure ghee, but use caution if severe cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) is diagnosed.

Nutritional benefits

  • Adds energy and helps absorb vitamins A, D, E and K
  • High calorie density for healthy infant weight velocity

Indian serving ideas & recipes

Warm Ghee with Ragi Porridge (5 mins)

  1. Prepare fresh warm ragi porridge
  2. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon pure cow ghee right before feeding
  3. Serve comfortably warm

Ghee-Tempered Moong Dal Khichdi (15 mins)

  1. Cook 1 tbsp moong dal and 1 tbsp rice until very soft
  2. Mash with a fork
  3. Mix in 1/2 tsp warm melted cow ghee with a tiny pinch of roasted cumin powder

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