Clarified Butter for Babies

Complete guide on how to prepare and serve clarified butter to your baby, by age.

Dairy AlternativeRich in Healthy FatsSupports Brain DevelopmentEasy to DigestLactose Low

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Low (2/5)

Choking Hazard

Very Low (1/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Clarified Butter to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

Clarified butter is typically served melted or in small dollops, so no cutting is needed. For babies 6-9 months, offer only a small swipe (about 0.5g or 1/8 tsp) mixed into warm purees, porridges, or mashed vegetables. The texture is soft or liquid, reducing any risk of choking. Always avoid serving solidified chunks, and monitor for reactions if introducing for the first time.

Serving Instructions

At this age, clarified butter is best used in very small amounts—up to 0.5g (1/8 tsp) per meal, mixed into vegetable purees, porridges, or mashed foods. This adds flavor and healthy fats, which are important for brain development and energy. It can be introduced as part of a varied meal with vegetables, grains, and a protein source. Watch for any delayed reactions to dairy, though clarified butter is often better tolerated than regular butter.

How to Serve Clarified Butter to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

At this age, clarified butter can continue to be served as a spread, stirred into warm foods, or melted in small amounts (up to 1g or 1/4 tsp) over vegetables, grains, or toast. No cutting is necessary. You may gradually increase the quantity as your child tolerates dairy. Always serve melted or very soft, never in solid chunks. Monitor for dairy reactions if previously untested.

Serving Instructions

Increase to up to 1g (1/4 tsp) per meal, using clarified butter to flavor and enrich warm porridges, mashed potatoes, grains, or spread thinly on toast. Pair with iron-rich vegetables or beans and offer alongside fruit and a protein source for a balanced plate. Clarified butter is easier to digest for some children because most milk solids are removed during preparation.

How to Serve Clarified Butter to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

After 18 months, clarified butter can be used a little more liberally—up to 2g or 1/2 tsp per meal—mixed into meals, spread thinly on toast, or drizzled onto veggies and grains. Always serve melted or very soft; do not give solidified chunks, especially in cold climates or from the fridge. Watch for ongoing dairy tolerance and keep total fat intake balanced with other healthy fats and oils.

Serving Instructions

For children over 18 months, clarified butter can be used more generously—up to 2g (1/2 tsp) per meal—mixed into family meals, spread thinly on breads, or drizzled onto vegetables, pasta, and grains. It can add flavor and enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, K). Continue to balance total fats with other healthy oils and watch for any dairy reactions, especially if new foods are also being introduced.