When can babies eat Mint?
From 6 months
Start with: Finely minced or blended liquid.
Mint is a fragrant herb that offers a unique cooling sensation and digestive benefits. It contains menthol, which can help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, aiding in gas relief. For babies, fresh mint should be finely minced or blended into purees to prevent the leaves from sticking to the roof of the mouth or throat.
How to serve Mint, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Finely minced or blended liquid.
Serve fresh mint only when finely minced or blended into a smooth puree. It pairs beautifully with pea puree, yogurt, or cucumber. Avoid using strong peppermint oil or extracts; stick to the whole leaf, finely processed, to keep the flavor gentle for the baby's palate.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Finely chopped herbs.
Mix finely chopped mint into soft finger foods like 'Lamb Meatballs' or Greek yogurt dips. You can also add it to fruit salads (like finely mashed watermelon and mint). Ensure the pieces are small enough that they don't pose a gagging risk by sticking to the throat.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Chopped leaves.
Toddlers can enjoy larger bits of mint in salads like Tabbouleh or mixed into smoothies. It is a great way to flavor water naturally (infusing water with mint and lemon) to encourage hydration without juice or sugar.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Low choking risk
Large, whole mint leaves can be slippery and thin, potentially sticking to the back of a baby's throat or the roof of their mouth, causing gagging. Always mince finely or blend until smooth for infants.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
Mint is surprisingly high in Vitamin A (212mcg), which is vital for eye health and immune function. It also contains Rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant that may help with allergy symptoms. Its most famous benefit is as a 'carminative,' helping to settle the stomach.
- Digestion-friendly
- Eye Health
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 70kcal
- Protein
- 3.8g
- Fat
- 0.9g
- Fiber
- 8g
- Iron
- 5.1mg
- Vitamin C
- 31.8mg
See all nutrients (21)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 70 kcal
- Protein
- 3.8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 14.9 g
- Fat
- 0.9 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 5.1 mg
- Calcium
- 243 mg
- Zinc
- 1.1 mg
- Sodium
- 31 mg
- Potassium
- 569 mg
- Magnesium
- 80 mg
- Phosphorus
- 73 mg
- Copper
- 0.3 mg
- Manganese
- 1.2 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 212 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 31.8 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Folate
- 114 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- < 0.1 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 8 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Mint
Cool Cantaloupe Teething Spears with Flax Coating
Chilled cantaloupe slices are wonderful for soothing tender baby gums during teething. Coating the fruit spears in ground flaxseed makes them easy for tiny fingers to grip while providing beneficial healthy fats. A subtle touch of mint adds a crisp, pleasant scent.
Soft Lamb Kofta with Minty Yogurt Dip
Tender, spiced lamb skewers (without the stick) paired with a cooling cucumber and yogurt dip. These are packed with iron and zinc, offering a flavorful way to support your toddler's growth.
Sweet Pea & Fresh Mint Fritters
Bright green, soft-textured fritters that are perfect for little hands to grip. Naturally sweet peas combined with refreshing mint and creamy feta cheese make these a nutrient-dense lunch or snack.
Silky Pea & Mint Puree
A vibrant and protein-rich puree. The natural sweetness of peas combined with a hint of fresh mint creates a sensory experience that introduces your baby to mild herbal flavors early on.
Frequently asked
Can mint help with my baby's teething pain?
The cooling menthol in mint can provide a very mild numbing effect. Try blending mint into a cold fruit puree or yogurt; the combination of the cold temperature and the mint can be very soothing for inflamed gums.
Is peppermint tea safe for babies?
In small amounts (1-2 ounces), weak peppermint tea can help with gas. However, excessive amounts can interfere with iron absorption. Always ensure the tea is lukewarm, not hot, and contains no added sugar or honey.
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