First foods database
🟢 Green lentils for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat green lentils? Yes, from about 6 months. Green lentils keep their shape when cooked and are one of the best plant sources of iron and protein. They need longer cooking than red lentils, then a mash or blend for young babies.
Good source of: Iron, Protein, Fibre, Folate
How to serve green lentils by age
6 to 9 months
Rinse, then simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until completely soft. Mash or blend with roasted vegetables and a little oil, spoon onto toast fingers, or bind with egg and breadcrumbs into soft lentil patties to hold.
9 to 12 months
Lightly mashed lentils in stews, shepherd's pie, pasta sauce or soft burgers.
12 months and up
Lentil salads, soups and stews for the whole family.
Choking safety
Well-cooked lentils are soft and low risk. Undercooked lentils stay firm, so always cook until they squash easily.
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
- Pair with vitamin C foods such as tomato or pepper to help iron absorption.
- Tinned lentils in water are fine: avoid salted versions.
Easy ideas
- Green lentil and carrot stew
- Lentil and sweet potato mash
- Soft lentil and herb patties
Goes well with
Recipes with green lentils
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat green lentils?
Can babies eat green lentils? Yes, from about 6 months. Green lentils keep their shape when cooked and are one of the best plant sources of iron and protein. They need longer cooking than red lentils, then a mash or blend for young babies.
Do green lentils need soaking?
No. Rinse them and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes until very soft.
Can lentils make babies windy?
Some babies get a little wind. Start with small amounts and build up gradually.
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).