Basil
Herb/Spice
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have basil?
Basil may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months old.
Native to warm regions stretching from Northern Africa to Southeast Asia, basil has been cultivated for hundreds of years. One of the most widespread kinds of basil has a powerful, fresh aroma and bright green leaves, but there are other kinds to try as well: licorice or Thai basil, tulsi or holy basil, purple-leafed basil, and more.
How do you serve basil to babies?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 months old +:
Add finely chopped fresh basil or crumbled dry basil into soft, scoopable foods, sauces, or finger foods like large, soft meatballs or patties. Alternatively, serve basil that has been blended into sauces like chimichurri or pesto; just be aware of any common allergens in the food and make sure any relevant food allergies have been ruled out before serving.
9 months old +:
Chop fresh basil into thin ribbons or small pieces and serve raw or cooked, mixed into dishes or on their own so that the child can taste the herb’s flavor. Pieces of the leaf may stick to the inside of the child’s mouth and cause some gagging or coughing. If this happens, try offering a small drink of water to help wash the pieces down. Expect lots of spitting as babies learn to manage the leaf’s challenging texture. By 18 months of age or so, you should see more consumption and less spitting of basil leaves as the molars come in and toddlers get more skilled at thoroughly chewing.
24 months old +:
Continue to serve basil chopped and mixed into dishes, in salad dressings, and in sauces like chimichurri or pesto. At this age, when a child shows the ability to take bites and tear larger pieces of food, you can also offer a whole, raw basil leaf to try, or dishes that contain whole or large pieces of basil.
Mix up your kitchen routine with ideas from our guide, 100 Dinners for Babies & Toddlers.
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Is basil a choking hazard for babies?
No. Basil presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve basil in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.
Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.
Can babies be allergic to basil?
Yes, though basil allergies are uncommon. If your baby is sensitive to mint, however, then be careful because basil is a member of the mint family.
Is basil healthy for babies?
Yes. Basil contains a number of vision-supporting carotenoids, such as beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin; in addition to vitamin K to support blood-clotting and bone health; and a dash of vitamin C and folate to support the immune and nervous systems. Basil also offers benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
How much food should I serve to baby?
When first getting started, offer a small amount and trust that baby knows how to show interest in wanting more by grunting, pointing, or reaching out. Keep in mind that most babies between 6 and 9 months of age do not consume much solid food at first. For babies between 10 and 12 months of age, work toward what a balanced adult meal would look like, just with smaller portions than what you might have. Follow the child’s lead: when baby indicates “more”, offer more food. When baby shows signs that they are finished, stop offering food.
How many meals per day should baby eat?
It’s flexible. Generally speaking, bring baby to the table at least once per day between 6 and 7 months of age, twice per day between 8 and 9 months of age, and 3 times per day starting at around 10 months of age. See our sample feeding schedules for details.
Our Team
Written by
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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