Broad beans (Fava beans) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve broad beans (fava beans) to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Broad beans (Fava beans) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For young babies, broad beans should always be cooked until very soft. Remove the outer pods and tough skins, then mash or puree thoroughly so there are no lumps. Serve mashed broad beans on their own, or mix with breast milk, formula or a little water to reach a smooth consistency. Whole or chopped beans are a choking risk for this age. If using frozen beans, ensure they are fully thawed and cooked. Avoid adding salt or seasonings. Portion size: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g or 0.5-1oz) as part of a meal with other iron-rich foods and fruits or vegetables high in vitamin C to support iron absorption.
Serving Instructions
Serve broad beans mashed or pureed and ensure they are completely soft. A typical portion is 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g or 0.5-1oz), ideally paired with iron-rich foods (like beef, lentils, or tofu) and a source of vitamin C (such as sweet bell pepper or orange) at meal time. This boosts iron absorption. Introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for allergic reactions and always ensure foods are mashed to avoid choking hazards at this early stage.
How to Serve Broad beans (Fava beans) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
At this age, broad beans should still be cooked until soft, and it's important to remove the tough outer skins to minimize choking risk. You can serve as a chunky mash or gently smash the beans with a fork. For more advanced eaters, cut each bean lengthwise and offer a few pieces at a time. Supervise closely and avoid whole beans, which may still be a choking hazard. Portion: About 2-4 tablespoons (30-60g or 1-2oz), balanced with grains, protein, and vitamin C-rich fruits or veggies for optimal iron absorption.
Serving Instructions
Broad beans can be served as a chunky mash or split/quartered pieces at this stage, as long as they are soft and the outer skin is removed. Offer 2-4 tablespoons (30-60g or 1-2oz) per meal, together with whole grains, meats, or other protein sources and vitamin C-rich produce. Encourage self-feeding where appropriate but keep watch for any signs of choking, and always supervise your child while eating.
How to Serve Broad beans (Fava beans) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
For children over 18 months, broad beans should still be cooked thoroughly and peeled. At this stage, you may offer the beans sliced or quartered as finger food. For confident chewers, whole soft beans can be served, but only with close supervision and never when distracted or moving. You can add broad beans to mixed dishes or salads, but always ensure they are soft. Portion: 3-5 tablespoons (45-75g or 1.5-2.5oz) as part of a meal with a variety of grains, protein, and fruits or vegetables for a balanced plate.
Serving Instructions
At this stage, most children can handle soft, peeled broad beans that are cut or even served whole, but always with attentive supervision. The portion can be 3-5 tablespoons (45-75g or 1.5-2.5oz), included as part of a varied meal with grains, protein (like fish, eggs, or poultry) and colorful vegetables or fruits. Continue to watch closely for choking risks with new textures and larger pieces, and adjust serving style as needed for your child’s chewing abilities.
More Legumes and Pulses
Track Your Baby's Feeding with My Smart Solids
Log preferences, track allergens, and generate personalized AI meal plans.
Discover My Smart Solids