Inside: Chickpeas make a great first food for babies whether you’re serving them as a puree or as a finger food for baby-led weaning. Learn more about why we love chickpeas for baby.
Chickpeas are easy for parents to prepare and they are loaded with health benefits for babies. But you may have questions about serving chickpeas as baby food. In this guide, we explain why we love chickpeas for baby and how to serve them to your child safely.
Note: If your child is a picky eater who refuses to eat them, check out our guide to get your child to eat chickpeas.
Chickpea puree is a great protein to introduce your baby and it’s one of the simplest purees for babies that you can make. Spice it up a little bit and call it hummus for babies and the rest of you family can enjoy it too.
How to prepare chickpeas for babies
Chickpeas are available dried or canned. If properly prepared, you can serve both canned and dried chickpeas to baby. Learn how to make both kinds of chickpeas for your child.
Are chickpeas an allergen?
No. Chickpeas are not considered a major allergen in the United States and are not part of the top nine allergens (milk, wheat, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and sesame).
However, chickpeas are noted to be a common allergen internationally, more specifically in India and the Mediterranean.
Tip: If introducing chickpeas to your baby by means of hummus, it is important to remember that hummus does contain a top allergen as it is made with tahini (sesame).
Chickpeas for Babies (Baby Hummus Recipe)
FAQ
Can babies have blended chickpeas?
How do I cook chickpeas for my 7 month old?
Is chickpea an allergen for babies?
Do canned chickpeas need to be cooked?
Can babies eat chickpea puree?
This chickpea puree recipe for babies is a dish that even adults will enjoy! Cook the garbanzo beans in a pressure cooker, with 1.5 cups of water for 6 whistles. Cook the green peas in a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water for 2 whistles. Sauté the garlic (chopped finely) and the cumin.
What are the health benefits of chickpeas?
Chickpeas have several beneficial effects on health. It is an excellent source of protein. It is rich in fiber and promotes gut health by regulating gut microbial flora. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It regulates weight management and helps in preventing obesity.
Can baby eat canned chickpeas?
Chickpeas are available dried or canned. If properly prepared, you can serve both canned and dried chickpeas to baby. Learn how to make both kinds of chickpeas for your child. If using dried beans, it is important to sort through the beans and remove any debris, then wash them thoroughly in a strainer.
Can babies eat black chickpeas?
Black chickpea or chana can be given to babies. However, you need to follow similar precautions as mentioned for white chickpea or Kabuli chana. 3. Are chickpeas a choking hazard for babies? Chickpeas are small, round legumes that a baby can easily put in the mouth. You need to mash chickpeas when feeding them to your baby. 4.