Unsalted Butter for Babies

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

Rich in Healthy FatsHelps Vitamin AbsorptionEnergy-BoostingSource of Vitamin ALactose-Containing

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Moderate (3/5)

Choking Hazard

Very Low (1/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

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

How to Cut

No cutting is needed for unsalted butter. For this age, butter is best served as a thin spread on age-appropriate foods, such as soft toast fingers, well-cooked vegetables, or mashed foods. Ensure the butter is softened to avoid any clumping. Never serve butter in chunks or small dollops to minimize the risk of mouthfuls that may be hard to manage. A very thin smear, not exceeding 1/2 teaspoon (about 2.5 grams), is plenty for one meal.

Serving Instructions

For babies starting solids, unsalted butter can be used in very small amounts—no more than 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)—as a flavor enhancer or source of healthy fats. Spread thinly on soft foods, like toast sticks or cooked, mashed vegetables. Butter adds energy and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins when served as part of a meal with fruits/veggies, grains, and protein. Keep an eye out for any signs of dairy allergy; always introduce butter on its own for the first time. Avoid serving with other new potential allergens.

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

How to Cut

Still no cutting is required; always serve unsalted butter as a thin, even layer. At this stage, you may increase the portion to up to 1 teaspoon (about 5 grams), spread on toast strips, cooked pasta, pancakes, soft-cooked vegetables, or mixed into oats or porridge. Avoid serving butter in blobs or pats, as these can stick to the mouth or throat and become a gagging risk. Supervise carefully and encourage your child to take small bites.

Serving Instructions

At this age, unsalted butter can be spread a bit more liberally—up to 1 teaspoon (5g) per meal, used as a spread or mixed into warm grains, mashed veggies, or on pasta. Butter works well to help balance meals containing fruits/vegetables, proteins, and grains. It boosts calories for growing toddlers and supports fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Always monitor for allergic reactions, especially when paired with other dairy foods.

How to Serve Unsalted Butter to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

Continue to offer unsalted butter as a spread in thin, even layers. By now, children can generally handle up to 2 teaspoons (about 10 grams) spread across various foods such as whole grain bread, pancakes, or waffles, or used to sauté vegetables. Ensure that butter is never offered as a chunk or lump. As children practice self-feeding, monitor them to prevent large bites or mouthfuls of butter. Incorporate butter as part of balanced meals rather than as a standalone food, paired with protein, grains, and produce.

Serving Instructions

Older toddlers can have up to 2 teaspoons (10g) of unsalted butter across the day's meals, spread on whole grains, pancakes, cooked vegetables or as part of sautéed dishes. Use butter to round out balanced meals with protein and produce. Never offer butter as a stand-alone food. Continue to observe your child with any dairy, and keep the focus on moderation and variety.