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Can babies eat soya?
Soya can be offered once your baby has started solids, prepared to suit their stage. This is a common allergen (Soya).
How to cook soya for a baby
- Method
- Steamed or Boiled
- Ready in
- 10 Min.
- Texture
- Soft & mashed
How you cut and serve soya changes as your baby grows. That is set out age by age below.
How to prepare soya, age by age
- 6 to 8 months
- Steam or boil until very soft, remove from the pods and skins, then blend into a smooth purée.
- 9 to 11 months
- Cooked, shelled and skinned beans mashed to a soft, lumpy texture.
- 12 to 17 months
- Soft, shelled beans squashed or halved. Remove the outer skins to reduce choking risk.
- 18 months and over
- Whole soft, shelled beans they can pick up, lightly squashed.
Choking risk
Whole soya beans (edamame) are a choking hazard. Remove them from the pod and squash or skin the beans for babies and younger toddlers.
Watch: Safe edamame serving
Is soya an allergen?
This food contains soya. Introduce one new food at a time and watch closely for any reaction.
Read: Introducing soya safely
Is soya good for babies?
Soya beans (edamame) are a complete plant protein providing all essential amino acids, plus iron, folate, and fibre. Soya is one of the main food allergens, so introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction. Always shell and squash or skin the beans, as whole beans are a choking hazard.
- Protein
- Iron
- Folate
- Fibre
- Magnesium
Storing soya
In the fridge
3 Days. Refrigerate cooked, shelled beans in a sealed container
In the freezer
3 Months. Freeze cooked beans in small portions
Goes well with
Baby recipes with soya
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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.