Fava Beans for Babies

Complete guide on how to prepare and serve fava beans to your baby, by age.

Iron-RichFiber-RichPlant Protein SourceFolate SupportiveAntioxidant BoostImmune-SupportiveMagnesium SourcePotassium-RichEasy to Digest

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Low (2/5)

Choking Hazard

High (4/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Fava Beans to a 6–9 Months Old

How to Cut

Fava beans should be cooked until very soft and then the tough outer skins removed. Mash fully or blend with a little breast milk, formula, or water to create a smooth, lump-free puree. Serve as a single-ingredient puree or mix into other soft vegetables for variety. Whole beans—even soft ones—pose a choking hazard at this age. For babies practicing self-feeding, spread the mash thinly on a spoon or toast stick for easy grasping.

Serving Instructions

Offer about 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of smooth fava bean puree at a meal, within a balanced plate that includes iron-rich food (like meat or lentil puree), vitamin C (such as sweet potato or fruit), and healthy fat (like olive oil or avocado). Use fava bean puree as a single food at first, then gradually combine with other soft vegetables. Always watch for signs of intolerance, as fava can rarely cause favism in genetically predisposed individuals.

How to Serve Fava Beans to a 9–18 Months Old

How to Cut

Continue cooking fava beans until very tender and always remove the tough outer skins. At this age, you can gently mash or chop the beans into small pieces, but avoid serving whole beans to reduce choking risk. For babies with a good pincer grasp, you can serve mashed or finely chopped fava beans mixed with soft grains or vegetables. If using in finger foods, press the mash onto a soft piece of toast or pancake to help baby self-feed safely.

Serving Instructions

Serve 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) of mashed or finely chopped fava beans as part of a plate with grains, additional vegetables, and a protein source such as fish or poultry. Continue to offer with a vitamin C food to maximize iron absorption. For finger foods, press into patties with grains or spread on toast. Always supervise, as fava beans can still be a choking hazard if not well-mashed.

How to Serve Fava Beans to a 18+ Months Old

How to Cut

Fava beans should still be cooked until soft, with the outer skin removed, especially for toddlers under 3. You may serve beans in halves or quarters, or lightly mash, depending on your child’s chewing skills. Whole beans, though less risky now, can still pose a choking hazard, especially if your child stuffs food. Supervise closely and continue to avoid raw or undercooked beans. Mix with grains, vegetables, or add to patties for variety.

Serving Instructions

Portion about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of cooked, skinless fava beans per meal, served alongside grains, colorful vegetables, and a protein such as egg, cheese, or tofu. At this age, children can handle more textures, so offer beans in halves, quarters, or gently mashed. Continue to vary presentation and mix into patties or salads for a nutrient boost. Whole beans can still be a hazard if your toddler stuffs food or struggles to chew—stay present at all meals.