Mint

Mint may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Mint belongs to an extensive family of plants, and there are many varieties to try—from chocolate mint to orange mint to peppermint to spearmint and more. One thing these herbs have in common is a bright scent and cooling, slightly sweet taste that has made them a popular ingredient in foods from candies, to savory dishes, to teas.

No. Mint 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 mint 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.

No, mint is not a common food allergen. If a child is sensitive to plants of the Lamiaceae family such as basil, lavender, marjoram, oregano, sage, or thyme, take care when introducing mint, as these plants are closely related.^{[1] [2]}

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity of mint for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future mealtimes.

Yes. Mint contains fiber, calcium, iron, folate, and vitamin A, along with a dash of vitamin C. Together, these nutrients support bone density, blood health, nervous system function, vision, and immunity. It also contains unique antioxidants and compounds like menthol and rosmarinic acid, which can offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.^[3]

Knowledge and practice with rescue maneuvers. Parents and caregivers who watch the choking and rescue videos in our Starting Solids bundle often share how confident they feel. 

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.