First foods database
🥥 Coconut oil for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies have coconut oil? Yes, a little coconut oil can be used in cooking from about 6 months. It is high in saturated fat, so it works best as an occasional cooking fat, with olive or rapeseed oil as everyday choices.
Good source of: Saturated fat, Energy
How to serve coconut oil by age
6 to 9 months
Use about half a teaspoon of coconut oil to roast sweet potato or squash, or melt it into mashed vegetables for a gentle coconut flavour. Soft roasted wedges coated in a thin layer of oil make easy finger food.
9 to 12 months
Use a little to cook scrambled egg, soft pancakes or a mild lentil and vegetable curry. Melt a teaspoon into porridge with mashed banana for a change.
12 months and up
Toddlers can enjoy coconut oil in family cooking and baking, such as oat cookies made with mashed banana. Keep it as one fat among several rather than the main one.
Choking safety
Coconut oil is low choking risk. Solid oil can be slippery and coat the mouth, so melt it into food rather than offering spoonfuls, and serve all food with your baby sitting upright.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Coconut oil is around 90% saturated fat; use small amounts and vary your oils.
- Coconut is not classed as a tree nut in UK allergen labelling, and most children with nut allergy tolerate it, but ask your GP if unsure.
Easy ideas
- Roasted sweet potato wedges with coconut oil
- Coconut oil scrambled egg
- Banana and oat cookies made with melted coconut oil
Goes well with
Recipes with coconut oil
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat coconut oil?
Can babies have coconut oil? Yes, a little coconut oil can be used in cooking from about 6 months. It is high in saturated fat, so it works best as an occasional cooking fat, with olive or rapeseed oil as everyday choices.
Is coconut oil good for babies?
It adds energy and flavour, but it is not a superfood. Olive and rapeseed oils have more of the unsaturated fats that are better for everyday use.
How much coconut oil can a baby have?
A teaspoon or less in a meal is plenty. Babies need fat, but from a range of foods like milk, eggs and oily fish.
Can I use coconut oil on my baby's skin?
That is a separate question. Speak to your health visitor about skincare, especially with eczema.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).