First foods database

🌿 Mint for babies: when and how to serve it

Can babies eat mint? Yes, finely chopped fresh mint is fine in small amounts from about 6 months. It adds a fresh, cool flavour to fruit, yoghurt, peas and lamb.

From 6 monthsLow choking risk when prepared well

Good source of: Flavour, Vitamin A, Iron

How to serve mint by age

6 to 9 months

Finely chop or blend 2 or 3 fresh leaves into pea purée, mashed potato, yoghurt or fruit such as melon or mango. Always chop mint very finely so there are no whole leaves to manage.

9 to 12 months

Stir chopped mint into couscous, minty yoghurt dips, or lamb meatballs. A teaspoon of chopped leaves in a family dish is plenty.

12 months and up

Offer mint in salads, with fruit or in raita. Older toddlers might like to help pick and tear the leaves.

Choking safety

Whole leaves can stick to the roof of the mouth or the back of the throat, so chop mint very finely or blend it for babies. Mint itself is a low choking risk once prepared this way.

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

Easy ideas

Goes well with

🫛PeaFrom 6 months🐑Lamb minceFrom 6 months🥣YoghurtFrom 6 months · Milk🥒CucumberFrom 6 months

Recipes with mint

🐟Baked plaice goujons with pea dipFrom 9 months · Lunch · 30 min🍢Chicken souvlaki strips with tzatzikiFrom 9 months · Dinner · 30 min🫛Edamame and pea smash dipFrom 9 months · Snack · 10 min🟢Green pea hummus pastaFrom 6 months · Lunch · 17 min🥒Labneh and cucumber dipFrom 9 months · Snack · 10 min🥙Lamb kofta fingers with tahini yoghurtFrom 9 months · Dinner · 30 min

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Questions parents ask

Can babies eat mint?

Can babies eat mint? Yes, finely chopped fresh mint is fine in small amounts from about 6 months. It adds a fresh, cool flavour to fruit, yoghurt, peas and lamb.

Can babies eat mint leaves?

Yes, finely chopped or blended into food. Avoid whole leaves for young babies.

Is peppermint tea OK for babies?

Babies under 12 months only need breast milk, formula and water to drink. Herbal teas are not recommended as drinks for babies.

Is mint sauce suitable for babies?

Shop-bought mint sauce often contains sugar and vinegar, so use fresh chopped mint instead.

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).