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First Legumes to Introduce to Babies

Explore nutritious legumes for baby-led weaning, including lentils, chickpeas, and black beans with simple recipes your baby will love.

Legumes27

Adzuki Bean
Adzuki Bean
Black Beans
Black Beans
Black Lentils
Black Lentils
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-Eyed Peas
Cannellini Bean
Cannellini Bean
Chickpea
Chickpea
Cranberry Bean
Cranberry Bean
Edamame
Edamame
Fava Bean (Broad Bean)
Fava Bean (Broad Bean)
Great Northern Bean
Great Northern Bean
Green Beans
Green Beans
Kidney Beans
Kidney Beans
Lentil
Lentil
Lima Bean
Lima Bean
Miso
Miso
Mung Bean
Mung Bean
Navy Bean
Navy Bean
Peanut & Peanut Butter
Peanut & Peanut Butter
Peas (Garden)
Peas (Garden)
Pinto Bean
Pinto Bean
Snap Pea
Snap Pea
Snow Pea
Snow Pea
Soy Yogurt
Soy Yogurt
Tempeh
Tempeh
Tepary Bean
Tepary Bean
Tofu
Tofu
Yardlong Bean
Yardlong Bean

Best First Legumes for Babies — Beans, Lentils & Chickpeas for BLW

Explore nutritious legumes for baby-led weaning with Tummi's free legume guide. From mashed lentils and smashed black beans to chickpea patties, find simple, protein-packed options with safe prep methods for every stage of starting solids.

How to Serve Legumes to Your Baby

  • Cook legumes until very soft and mash or flatten for younger babies
  • Offer whole beans (smashed) or formed into patties for easy self-feeding
  • Download the Tummi app for legume recipes and age-appropriate serving ideas

Safe Legume Preparation for Babies

Legumes are an excellent source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber for babies. Every legume in the Tummi database includes cooking instructions and choking prevention tips. Well-cooked, mashed legumes are one of the most nutritious and affordable first foods you can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Great first legumes include red lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and green peas. Red lentils are especially easy because they cook down to a soft mash. These are all rich in protein, iron, and fiber.

Legumes can cause mild gas as your baby's digestive system adjusts, which is normal. Start with small portions and increase gradually. Soaking dried legumes before cooking and mashing them well can also help reduce gas.

Cook beans until very soft, then mash or flatten them with a fork. For baby-led weaning, you can also form mashed beans into small patties or spread them on toast strips. Avoid canned beans with added salt, or rinse them thoroughly before serving.

Yes, legumes are one of the best plant-based sources of iron. Pairing legumes with vitamin C-rich foods like tomato, bell pepper, or citrus helps your baby absorb the iron more effectively.