After generations of feeding porridge as the main weaning food, it is no wonder feeding lentils and dried beans might seem a little uncommon to us Malaysians. However, lentils, legumes and dried beans are a good source of lean proteins and healthy carbohydrates. They also contain fibre, B vitamins and minerals, especially iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and manganese for the whole family, including your baby. 

Lentils, legumes and dried beans rank very low on the list of foods that prompt allergic reactions. This is why they are typically recommended for introduction into a baby’s diet between 8-10 months old. Here are examples of the benefits and goodness they offer:

Black Beans

Black beans can make for nutritious meals for babies as they possess exceptional amounts of protein, fibre as well as key nutrients like calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium which can benefit your baby’s health. Studies on a variety of legumes have revealed that the DARKER the beans, the MORE antioxidants they contain which makes black beans the best of them all!

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans for babies can be nourishing as they are full of iron, fibre and protein. Soak and boil them before mashing it into a consistency that your baby can handle. Alternatively, you can also press it through a sieve to ensure a smooth paste with no skins. When cooking beans it is better to cook them dried. If you’re buying canned versions remember to look for low sodium options that are better for your baby. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any traces of added sodium.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans have a high content of calcium and folic acid which is great for strengthening bones, brain development and blood formation. They are also rich in zinc, iron, protein, Vitamin K and fibre, which is needed for your baby’s overall good health. For the best texture, it is recommended to soak chickpeas in water for 8 hours or overnight before cooking them. Remove the skins and mash it into a smooth consistency. You can also serve it mixed with other steamed vegetables to give chickpeas some added flavour.

Lentils

Lentils are a good source of protein, calcium, carbohydrates, B vitamins, phosphorus, fibre and has roughly twice as much iron compared to other legumes. Although they come in different shapes, size and colours, red lentils are the ones commonly used for purees. This is because red lentils are smoother, cooks faster and don’t really require presoaking like the rest. However, most people find that soaking them for at least an hour before cooking results in a more tender and mashable texture. Just keep it simple and simmer them in a good broth (see our bone broth options link to bone broth article) and you’ll be giving your little one a meal that is packed with nutrition.

Split peas

While they look like lentils, Split Peas are actually different because they are a type of field pea. They contain a healthy dose of protein, iron, calcium, trace amounts of potassium, magnesium and zinc – all the essential nutrients needed in the first year of development. Split peas are also rich in fibre which can help to prevent constipation when starting solid foods. 

Green Beans

Aren’t green beans vegetables? Also, aren’t green beans just beans? Actually, the fruit of the green bean plant is in a pod which makes green beans legumes, not beans. Puree a cup of steamed or boiled green beans for a calcium boost! It also has copious amounts of Vitamin A which is good for maintaining vision while Manganese has strong antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation.

See our options!

Want to feed your baby beans, legumes and lentils? Look no further because you can purchase the highest quality options from us. We have Red beans, Green bean, Black beans, Lentils and chickpeas. All of our products are 100% natural and without preservatives. Interested parents can click here(insert link to product page) for more information on each product. As always, we recommend parents to thoroughly discuss any feeding issues with their paediatrician to find out what is best for their child.

6 Nutritious Beans, Legumes and Lentils for your Baby

After generations of feeding porridge as the main weaning food, it is no wonder feeding lentils and dried beans might seem a little uncommon to us Malaysians. However, lentils, legumes and dried beans are a good source of lean proteins and healthy carbohydrates. They also contain fibre, B vitamins and minerals, especially iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and manganese for the whole family, including your baby. 

Lentils, legumes and dried beans rank very low on the list of foods that prompt allergic reactions. This is why they are typically recommended for introduction into a baby’s diet between 8-10 months old. Here are examples of the benefits and goodness they offer:

Black Beans

Black beans can make for nutritious meals for babies as they possess exceptional amounts of protein, fibre as well as key nutrients like calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium which can benefit your baby’s health. Studies on a variety of legumes have revealed that the DARKER the beans, the MORE antioxidants they contain which makes black beans the best of them all!

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans for babies can be nourishing as they are full of iron, fibre and protein. Soak and boil them before mashing it into a consistency that your baby can handle. Alternatively, you can also press it through a sieve to ensure a smooth paste with no skins. When cooking beans it is better to cook them dried. If you’re buying canned versions remember to look for low sodium options that are better for your baby. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any traces of added sodium.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans have a high content of calcium and folic acid which is great for strengthening bones, brain development and blood formation. They are also rich in zinc, iron, protein, Vitamin K and fibre, which is needed for your baby’s overall good health. For the best texture, it is recommended to soak chickpeas in water for 8 hours or overnight before cooking them. Remove the skins and mash it into a smooth consistency. You can also serve it mixed with other steamed vegetables to give chickpeas some added flavour.

Lentils

Lentils are a good source of protein, calcium, carbohydrates, B vitamins, phosphorus, fibre and has roughly twice as much iron compared to other legumes. Although they come in different shapes, size and colours, red lentils are the ones commonly used for purees. This is because red lentils are smoother, cooks faster and don’t really require presoaking like the rest. However, most people find that soaking them for at least an hour before cooking results in a more tender and mashable texture. Just keep it simple and simmer them in a good broth (see our bone broth options link to bone broth article) and you’ll be giving your little one a meal that is packed with nutrition.

Split peas

While they look like lentils, Split Peas are actually different because they are a type of field pea. They contain a healthy dose of protein, iron, calcium, trace amounts of potassium, magnesium and zinc – all the essential nutrients needed in the first year of development. Split peas are also rich in fibre which can help to prevent constipation when starting solid foods. 

Green Beans

Aren’t green beans vegetables? Also, aren’t green beans just beans? Actually, the fruit of the green bean plant is in a pod which makes green beans legumes, not beans. Puree a cup of steamed or boiled green beans for a calcium boost! It also has copious amounts of Vitamin A which is good for maintaining vision while Manganese has strong antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation.

See our options!

Want to feed your baby beans, legumes and lentils? Look no further because you can purchase the highest quality options from us. We have Red beans, Green bean, Black beans, Lentils and chickpeas. All of our products are 100% natural and without preservatives. Interested parents can click here(insert link to product page) for more information on each product. As always, we recommend parents to thoroughly discuss any feeding issues with their paediatrician to find out what is best for their child.