Momsie › Can baby eat › Broad Beans
Can babies eat broad beans?
Broad Beans can be offered once your baby has started solids, prepared to suit their stage.
How to cook broad beans for a baby
- Method
- Boil or steam
- Ready in
- 10 Min.
- Texture
- Smooth purée
How you cut and serve broad beans changes as your baby grows. That is set out age by age below.
How to prepare broad beans, age by age
- 6 to 8 months
- Cook until very soft, remove skins, then blend or mash to a smooth purée.
- 9 to 11 months
- Cook until soft, remove skins, and mash roughly with a fork.
- 12 to 17 months
- Cooked soft beans, skins removed, halved or served whole as soft finger food.
- 18 months and over
- Cooked whole beans with skins, served as finger food they can handle.
Choking risk
Remove skins from broad beans for babies under 12 months — the skins are tough and a choking hazard. Always cook until very soft.
Watch: How to avoid choking
Is broad beans an allergen?
Broad Beans is not one of the main food allergens. Any new food can cause a reaction the first time it is offered, so give it on its own and stay with your baby while they eat.
Is broad beans good for babies?
Broad beans are one of the oldest cultivated crops and an excellent plant-based source of protein and iron for growing babies. Their folate content supports healthy brain development, while their high fibre content helps establish good digestive health early.
- Folate
- Protein
- Iron
- Fibre
Storing broad beans
In the fridge
2 Days. Keep cooked beans in a sealed container in the fridge
In the freezer
3 Months. Freeze puréed or cooked beans in ice cube trays for portions
Baby recipes with broad beans
Want the whole picture for your baby's age? See every food they can eat right now, with how to serve each one. Free, no sign-up.
Not sure what to offer after broad beans?
Momsie turns your baby's age, the foods they have already tried and your allergen list into one clear next step. Free on iPhone and Android.
This page is general information based on NHS weaning guidance, not medical advice. Always stay with your baby while they eat. If you have concerns about allergies, choking or your baby's development, speak to your health visitor or GP.