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Learn moreOregano
Herb/Spice
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have oregano?
Oregano may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
There is a diverse family of aromatic herbs grown worldwide, including Greek oregano, Mexican oregano, Syrian oregano, and many more. The leaves come in different colors and shapes, but what unites them is a plant compound known as carvacrol, which lends the plants a distinctive strong, herbal flavor. Whether fresh or dried, oregano brings savory richness to countless dishes, including escabeche, pizza, and spice blends like za’atar.
How do you serve oregano 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 +:
Finely chop fresh oregano leaves and mix them into age-appropriate dish, like mashed vegetables, a dressing for cooked vegetables, or a sauce for meat. As long as the stem of the plant is soft, you can finely chop it along with the leaves. If the stem has gotten woody and tough, remove the leaves from the stem before chopping. Alternatively, use dried oregano or powdered oregano to flavor food.
12 months old +:
Use fresh, dried, or powdered oregano as you normally would in dishes, including whole fresh oregano leaves. If you’ve left a large, woody sprig of oregano in a dish to flavor it as it cooks, remember to remove it before serving to reduce the chance of discomfort if it ends up in the toddler’s portion of the meal.
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Is oregano a choking hazard for babies?
No. Both fresh and dried oregano present 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 oregano 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.
Is oregano a common allergen?
No. Allergies to oregano are not common, but cases have been reported. Note that certain dried herb blends that feature oregano may contain sesame or other common food allergens, so make sure to read labels thoroughly. If a child is sensitive to plants of the Lamiaceae family such as mint, marjoram, basil, lavender, sage, or thyme, take care when introducing oregano, as these plants are closely related.
As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.
Is oregano safe for babies?
Yes, oregano is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking. Oregano essential oil, on the other hand, should be avoided for babies, as its safety and potency has not been sufficiently studied in children.
Is oregano healthy for babies?
Yes. Oregano offers small amounts of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains a number of plant compounds, which may offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
★Tip: When fresh oregano isn’t available, substitute dried oregano. One tbsp (15 ml) fresh oregano is about equal to 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano. Adjust to taste.
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.
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.
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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