Ghee

Ghee can be offered once your baby is about 6 months old and ready for solids. It is clarified butter, which means milk fat separated from milk solids and water. This step deepens the nutty taste and extends shelf life. It is widely used in South Asian cooking. India is the biggest producer.

It is rich in fat and gives concentrated energy for fast growth. Saturated fat is one of the main fat types in breast milk too. Ghee may also bring omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins K, E and A. These support brain development, skin, bones, immunity and blood clotting.

You can use ghee freely. Babies and toddlers do not need their ghee counted or capped. Fat supplies plenty of energy for brain and body growth.

It sets solid in the refrigerator and keeps for at least a year. In the pantry at room temperature it lasts up to 6 months.

Ghee carries low risk when prepared for your baby's age. In theory any food can cause choking. Stir it into food or spread a thin layer. Stay close to your baby during the meal.

Ghee is usually made from cow's milk. The World Health Organization counts cow's milk among its priority allergens. Milk allergy makes up about one in five childhood food allergies. Sheep, goat and buffalo milk can trigger similar reactions.

Ghee has the milk solids removed, and these hold the proteins that cause the allergy. So experts regard it as milder for allergy than the rest of dairy. Production methods differ, though, and a product may not be entirely free of milk solids. Ask an allergist about this.

Milk allergy often fades with time. Most children with cow's milk allergy outgrow it by age 6. Babies with mild symptoms may retry milk around the first birthday with a doctor's guidance.

Milk is a frequent cause of FPIES, a delayed allergy. The acute form brings repeated vomiting and diarrhea a few hours after eating. When milk is eaten regularly, the chronic form can show up as reflux, weight loss and poor growth. Symptoms ease once milk is removed. FPIES that starts early usually fades by ages 3 to 5.

Lactose intolerance can be confused with allergy. Ghee contains very little lactose, so children with lactose intolerance can usually eat it.

If you suspect a milk allergy, see an allergist before offering dairy. If you have already given milk and ruled out allergy, you can serve ghee without starting small. Otherwise, try a small amount alone for the first meals and raise it if nothing happens.