Bone Broth for Babies: Benefits, Nutrition & Safety Tips
When I first heard about giving bone broth to babies, I’ll admit I was skeptical. It sounded too old-fashioned, too complicated for busy parents like us.
But after watching my friend’s colicky baby calm down with just a few spoonfuls of homemade bone broth, I knew I had to learn more.
Bone broth isn’t just a trendy health food. It’s been nourishing families for generations. Your grandmother probably made it without even thinking twice.
This liquid gold offers incredible nutrition for your little one’s growing body and developing digestive system.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about introducing bone broth to your baby.
We’ll cover the nutritional benefits, safety considerations, and practical tips that’ll help you feel confident about incorporating this traditional food into your baby’s diet.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is quite different from the regular broth you might buy at the store.
While regular broth is typically simmered for just a few hours, bone broth takes much longer, sometimes up to 48 hours. This extended cooking time is what makes all the difference.
During those long hours of gentle simmering, the bones release their minerals, collagen, and other nutrients into the water. The result is a rich, gelatinous liquid that’s packed with nutrition.
When you cool homemade bone broth, it should actually jiggle like jello. That’s how you know you’ve extracted all those beneficial compounds.
I recall the first time I successfully made bone broth. After cooling it overnight, I opened the fridge to find this wobbly, amber-colored gel.
The process is surprisingly simple; you place bones in a pot with water, add some vegetables and a splash of acid like apple cider vinegar, then let it simmer low and slow.
Nutritional Benefits of Bone Broth for Babies
The nutritional profile of bone broth reads like a wish list for growing babies. What I find most impressive is how gentle these nutrients are on developing digestive systems.
Unlike some foods that can be hard for babies to break down, the nutrients in bone broth are already in forms that are easy to absorb.
Here are the key nutrients and what they do for your baby:
| Nutrient | Primary Benefits |
|---|---|
| Calcium | Builds strong bones and teeth; supports proper muscle function |
| Phosphorus | Partners with calcium for bone development; aids in energy production |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle and nerve function; promotes better sleep |
| Collagen | Supports joint, bone, and connective tissue development |
| Gelatin | Heals and seals the intestinal lining; improves digestion |
| Glycine | Supports liver function; promotes calm and better sleep patterns |
| Proline | Important for skin health and wound healing |
| Glutamine | Supports immune function; maintains a healthy gut lining |
One of the most significant benefits I’ve observed is how bone broth supports gut health. The gelatin helps seal and heal the intestinal lining, reducing inflammation and supporting better nutrient absorption.
For babies with digestive issues, this can be a life-changing experience.
The immune support benefits are equally impressive. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, and the amino acids and minerals work together to help your baby’s natural defenses develop properly.
For development, bone broth provides essential building blocks your baby needs during rapid growth phases.
Many parents also notice babies become more willing to try new flavors, as the rich, savory taste helps develop their palate beyond sweet foods.
Is Bone Broth Safe for Babies?
Safety is always our top concern when feeding our babies. Bone broth is generally very safe for babies when prepared and served properly. Here are the key safety considerations:
- Salt content: Use no salt for babies under 12 months, as their kidneys can’t handle much sodium
- Ingredient quality: Choose organic, grass-fed, or pasture-raised bones when possible
- Allergies: If your baby reacts to certain proteins, introduce that animal’s broth very slowly
- Proper straining: Always double-strain to remove any bone fragments that could be choking hazards
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months
- Pediatrician consultation: Always check with your doctor before introducing new foods, especially if your baby has health concerns or allergies
How to Make Bone Broth for Babies
Making bone broth at home is simpler than you might think, and it’s the best way to ensure quality and safety for your baby.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredient list is surprisingly short; you probably have most of these items in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality bones (chicken, beef, or fish) | 2-3 pounds | Main nutrient source |
| Water | Enough to cover bones by 2 inches | Cooking liquid |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Helps extract minerals |
| Vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) | 2-3 pieces each | Adds flavor |
| Salt | None (for babies under 12) | Avoid for baby safety |
Step-by-Step Instructions
The process is quite forgiving, so don’t worry about getting everything perfect. I’ve made hundreds of batches, and even my early attempts turned out nourishing and delicious.
- Optional roasting: Roast bones at 400°F for 30 minutes for deeper flavor
- Combine ingredients: Place bones, vegetables, and vinegar in a slow cooker or large pot
- Add water: Cover bones by about 2 inches with water
- Rest period: Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the vinegar to work
- Start cooking: Bring to a very gentle simmer (not a rolling boil)
- Cook time: Simmer chicken bones 12-24 hours, beef bones 24-48 hours, fish bones 8-12 hours
- Skim foam: Remove any foam that rises to the surface during cooking
- Strain carefully: Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer, then cheesecloth for babies
- Cool and store: Let cool, then portion into ice cube trays for easy baby-sized servings
Each ice cube equals about one ounce, perfect for starting portions. Remember, no salt for babies under 12 months!
When and How to Give Bone Broth to Your Baby
Now that you know why bone broth is so beneficial, let’s talk about the practical side of feeding it to your little one. The key is starting slowly and gradually increasing both the amount and variety of ways you serve it.
When to start and how much to give
Around 6 months, when your baby begins eating solids, bone broth can be one of their first foods. Here’s a simple guide to portion sizes as your baby grows, based on what I’ve found works best with the families I’ve worked with:
| Age Range | Recommended Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 months | 1 teaspoon mixed into familiar foods | Start small to monitor reactions and introduce flavor gradually |
| 8–10 months | 1–2 tablespoons per serving | Baby’s digestion is stronger; ready for a wider variety |
| 10+ months | 2–4 tablespoons or small sippy cup portions | Encourage independence with larger servings or drinking from a cup |
Ways to serve bone broth
Once you know the right amounts, here are my favorite creative ways to include bone broth in your baby’s meals:
- Mixed into purees: One of my favorite methods is mixing bone broth into vegetable purees. It adds nutrition and rich flavor that many babies love. I often combine it with sweet potato or butternut squash puree. The combination is both nutritious and delicious.
- As a warm drink: As babies get older, you can serve bone broth as a warm drink in a sippy cup. Many toddlers love sipping warm broth, especially during cold weather.
- Frozen treats: For teething babies, I make “brothsicles” by freezing bone broth in silicone molds. These provide soothing relief while delivering nutrition.
- Cooking liquid: Bone broth makes an excellent replacement for water when cooking grains and vegetables. I use it when cooking rice or steaming vegetables. This simple swap adds significant nutritional value to everyday foods.
Always watch for any reactions before increasing the amount, and remember to start with a small amount of any new food.
Conclusion
Bone broth has been a game-changer in my approach to feeding babies and toddlers. This traditional food offers modern families a simple way to boost nutrition while supporting healthy development.
The benefits for gut health, immune function, and overall growth make it worth the small effort required. I’ve watched countless babies thrive with bone broth as part of their diet.
From better digestion to improved sleep, the positive effects often surprise parents. It’s a gentle, loving way to support your baby’s health while creating positive food experiences. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process.
Share your bone broth journey in the comments below. I’d love to hear how this liquid nutrition has supported your family’s health and happiness.
