First foods database
🫘 Chickpeas for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat chickpeas? Yes, from about 6 months, mashed, blended or squashed flat. Chickpeas are a brilliant plant source of protein, iron and fibre, but whole chickpeas are firm and round, which makes them a choking risk for young children.
Good source of: Protein, Iron, Fibre, Folate
How to serve chickpeas by age
6 to 9 months
Mash cooked chickpeas thoroughly, blend into hummus, or stir into vegetable purées and curries. You can rub off the skins for a smoother texture.
9 to 12 months
Squash each chickpea flat between your finger and thumb before serving, or offer mashed chickpea patties and soft falafel.
12 months and up
Once chewing is confident, serve whole soft-cooked chickpeas in curries, stews and salads. Keep crunchy roasted chickpeas for older children.
Choking safety
Whole chickpeas can block a small airway. Squash or mash them for babies. Roasted, crunchy chickpeas are hard and are not suitable for babies and young toddlers.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Choose tinned chickpeas in water with no added salt, and rinse well.
- Pulses can cause wind: start with small portions.
Easy ideas
- Chickpea and sweet potato mash
- Mild chickpea and spinach curry
- Squashed chickpeas with roasted pepper
Goes well with
Recipes with chickpeas
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat chickpeas?
Can babies eat chickpeas? Yes, from about 6 months, mashed, blended or squashed flat. Chickpeas are a brilliant plant source of protein, iron and fibre, but whole chickpeas are firm and round, which makes them a choking risk for young children.
Can babies eat whole chickpeas?
Not until they are chewing confidently. Squash them flat or mash them until then.
Can babies have tinned chickpeas?
Yes. Choose ones in water rather than salted water, and rinse them, which also reduces wind-causing sugars.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).