
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve lentils (brown, green, red, yellow, black) to your baby, by age.
Last reviewed: May 2026
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.
See what development milestones to expect at 6–9 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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.
See what development milestones to expect at 9–12 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
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.
See what development milestones to expect at 18–24 Months — cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional.
Dalo Solids
Dalo Solids gives you unlimited recipes, a weekly meal planner, allergen tracking, and AI meal ideas from a photo of your fridge.
Every child is different, and your pediatrician knows your baby best. If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has any feeding difficulties, consult your doctor before introducing new foods. If you ever observe signs of an allergic reaction — such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care immediately.
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
By using this guide, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
Dalo Solids
Get unlimited baby recipes, snap a photo of your fridge for instant meal ideas, weekly meal plans, and allergen tracking — all in one app.
Or save with the Dalo Family Bundle →