Health
Olive Oil for Children: When to Start and How Much to Give
Contents
Albanian grandmothers knew it without reading any studies: a drop of olive oil in the child’s soup. Today paediatricians confirm the practice, with a few clarifications about age and quantity.
When can you start?
Extra virgin olive oil can join a baby’s menu with the start of complementary feeding, at around six months. Add half a teaspoon to vegetable purée or soup after cooking, so the flavour stays mild.
From one to three years, the amount gradually increases to one or two teaspoons a day, spread across meals.
Why olive oil in particular?
A child’s brain is built with fats. Oleic acid and vitamin E support the development of the nervous system and help absorb vitamins A, D, E and K from other foods. The fat profile of olive oil is closer to that of breast milk than any other plant fat, which is why infant formulas often include it.
Practical benefits parents notice
- More regular digestion and less constipation
- Simple foods taste better and children accept them more easily
- Softer skin, especially in winter
How much, by age
- 6–12 months: half to one teaspoon a day
- 1–3 years: one to two teaspoons
- 4–10 years: two to three teaspoons, included in cooking and salads
Always check with your paediatrician about your own child, especially if there are allergies or digestive problems.
Quality matters even more for children
A small body processes chemical residues more slowly. A certified organic oil, free of pesticides and blends, reduces this load. Shkrela oil is made from hand-picked olives and processed within 24 hours, without solvents and without heat.
For cooking ideas children love, see our everyday Albanian recipes.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child have olive oil?
From six months, together with the start of complementary foods.
Should a child have olive oil on an empty stomach?
No. For young children it is always mixed with food, never given on its own.
Does it cause constipation or relieve it?
It relieves it. Olive oil helps the bowels move, which is why it is also used as a gentle natural remedy.
Contact us to find out which size suits your family’s needs.
