Olive Oil for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve olive oil to your baby, by age.
Find recipes with Olive Oil in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: May 2026
Safety Information
How to Serve Olive Oil to a 6–9 Months Old
Serving Instructions
From 6 months, olive oil can be offered in small quantities (about 1–2 ml / ¼–½ teaspoon) mixed into vegetable purees, mashed beans, or gently stirred into baby cereals as part of a balanced meal. Olive oil adds healthy fats that help with brain development and support absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Pair with iron-rich foods, like pureed meats or lentils, for extra benefit. Avoid offering oil on its own to avoid overwhelming delicate tummies.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Olive Oil to a 9–18 Months Old
Serving Instructions
Between 9–18 months, continue to include olive oil (2–5 ml / ½–1 teaspoon) in your child’s diet by mixing it into soft foods, drizzling over grain dishes, or incorporating into dips and creamy textures. Olive oil supports energy needs and makes flavors more appealing. It pairs well with vitamin-rich vegetables and proteins. Aim for balanced meals—combine olive oil with a variety of foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamin C for best nutrition. Avoid serving oil by the spoonful.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
How to Serve Olive Oil to a 18+ Months Old
Serving Instructions
By 18 months and up, olive oil can be part of a wide variety of family meals (up to 5–10 ml / 1–2 teaspoons per meal). Drizzle over salads, grains, roasted veggies, or use in homemade dressings and dips. Olive oil complements foods high in vitamins A, D, E, and K, helping the body absorb these nutrients. Ensure that overall fat intake is balanced with proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for optimal nutrition. Discontinue if any digestive sensitivity is noticed.
Milestones at this age
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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