Split Peas (Green and Yellow) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve split peas (green and yellow) to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Split Peas (Green and Yellow) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, always serve split peas fully cooked and very soft—ideally boiled until mushy and then blended or thoroughly mashed. Whole or undercooked split peas pose a significant choking risk. A smooth purée is best at this age; consider mixing with a little breast milk, formula, or water to thin it to a velvety consistency. If your baby shows readiness for thicker textures, you may also offer mashed split peas with no whole pieces left. Serve as a standalone food or mixed into smooth vegetable purées. Avoid offering unmashed or whole split peas at this stage.
Serving Instructions
For 6-9 months, serve split peas as a smooth purée, about 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) per meal, paired with foods rich in vitamin C (like sweet potato or bell pepper) to boost iron absorption and a source of healthy fats (a drizzle of olive oil or a spoon of avocado). Use well-cooked peas for easy digestion and gradually increase the amount if your baby enjoys the flavor. Always supervise and observe for signs of readiness and potential reactions.
How to Serve Split Peas (Green and Yellow) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
From 9-18 months, split peas must still be very soft and well-cooked, but you can begin to offer slightly chunkier textures. Mash the cooked peas with a fork or potato masher so there are no whole peas but a thicker, lumpy mash. As finger foods are introduced, mashed split peas can be gently pressed onto soft toast fingers or mixed into other mashed foods to encourage self-feeding. Avoid offering whole split peas, as their size and shape continue to pose a choking risk at this age. Ensure the peas are not dry or hard. For scooping practice, shape mash into small balls that are easy to grasp, always checking for softness before serving.
Serving Instructions
For 9-18 months, split peas can be offered as a thick mash or mixed into casseroles. Serve 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) per meal, pairing with cut vegetables, pieces of soft bread, or grains like rice to encourage varied textures. Continue pairing with foods high in vitamin C and healthy fats. Allow your child to self-feed, whether with pre-loaded spoons or finger foods, to build confidence and skill.
How to Serve Split Peas (Green and Yellow) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
Once your child is 18 months or older and chewing skills have matured, you may begin to offer whole split peas mixed into dishes—provided they are very soft and well-cooked, easily squishable between finger and thumb. Serve as part of stews, soups, or in rice blends. Supervise closely; while the risk of choking decreases, it is not eliminated until the full set of molars is present, so continue with caution. Alternatively, continue serving split peas in mashed or puréed form if that's your child's preference. Encourage self-feeding and offer peas as part of balanced meals with grains, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Serving Instructions
From 18 months onward, serve split peas as part of balanced meals: 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml) per meal mixed into stews, rice, or alongside vegetables. Encourage self-feeding and exploration of textures, and continue pairing with vitamin C-rich produce and healthy fats to optimize nutrient absorption. Monitor when introducing whole peas and ensure they are soft and easy to squish. Introduce family-style meals and include split peas in a variety of dishes for exposure and acceptance.
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