Lentils (Brown, Green, Red, Yellow, Black) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve lentils (brown, green, red, yellow, black) to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Lentils (Brown, Green, Red, Yellow, Black) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, lentils should be thoroughly cooked until very soft. Mash or puree cooked lentils with water, breast milk, or formula to achieve a smooth consistency, as whole lentils can be a choking risk due to their small size and tendency to clump together. Avoid adding salt or spices. If introducing as a finger food, you may mix mashed lentils with soft-cooked vegetables or serve as part of a puree medley. Always check the texture to ensure it is smooth and lump-free, suitable for early eaters.
Serving Instructions
Offer mashed or pureed cooked lentils, starting with 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml / 0.5-1 oz) once per day as part of a balanced meal. Pair with vitamin C-rich vegetables like bell pepper to boost iron absorption. Serve alongside other iron sources and introduce new foods one at a time. Watch closely for any signs of allergic reaction or difficulty swallowing. Avoid salt, sugar, and strong spices.
How to Serve Lentils (Brown, Green, Red, Yellow, Black) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
For 9-18 months, cooked lentils should remain very soft and ideally mashed or gently squished with a fork. At this stage, some babies may start to handle whole, very soft lentils as finger foods, but only if they can pick up smaller pieces and chew well. Serve lentils alone, blended with soft grains, minced meats, or mashed veggies. Always serve without added salt and watch closely for any signs of difficulty when chewing or swallowing. Lentil patties or small mash-able bites are also good options.
Serving Instructions
Serve very soft lentils, mashed or whole, in portions of 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml / 1-1.5 oz) once or twice daily, as part of a mix with grains, vegetables, and proteins. You may offer finger foods like patties or soft lentil bites. Continue offering vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron uptake. Watch closely for signs of choking or allergies. Avoid salt and too much oil.
How to Serve Lentils (Brown, Green, Red, Yellow, Black) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
At 18+ months, continue serving lentils well-cooked and soft. Most toddlers can handle whole cooked lentils, but check developmentally whether your child chews and swallows them safely. Offer as part of mixed dishes, in soups, or combined with vegetables, grains or in patties. This age group can try small spoonfuls of lentil salads (with ingredients cut appropriately), but avoid overly dry or sticky preparations, which may clump and pose a risk. Encourage self-feeding and offer a variety of textures and flavors.
Serving Instructions
Offer well-cooked lentils as part of a variety of meals—salads, soups, patties or mixed dishes. Suggested portion size is 3-4 tablespoons (45-60 ml / 1.5-2 oz) once or twice per day, ensuring the meal remains balanced with vegetables, grains, and a source of healthy fat. Encourage self-feeding and exploring new textures. Continue to offer vitamin C-rich foods to aid iron absorption. Observe your child for readiness with new textures and independence at the table.
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