Protein Food Library
When can babies have beans?
Can babies eat beans?
Babies can have beans from 6 months, cooked until very soft. Beans are a great source of plant protein, iron and fiber for babies. Start with smooth mashed beans on a spoon, move to lumpier mash and soft bean patties at 7–8 months, and offer flattened whole beans from about 9 months, since round beans are a choking risk.
How to serve beans by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Cook beans until very soft, then blend or mash them with a little water, breast milk, formula or olive oil until smooth, removing loose skins if needed. Offer the puree on a spoon or a pre-loaded spoon, or stir it into smooth avocado or sweet potato.
7–8 months
Fork-mash well-cooked beans so they have soft lumps, or stir them into mashed sweet potato or avocado. Your baby can also hold a thin toast strip spread with mashed beans or a soft bean patty that falls apart easily when pressed.
9–12 months
Flatten each cooked bean between your thumb and finger and let your baby pick them up with a pincer grasp. Beans should squash easily with gentle pressure.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat whole, soft-cooked beans in chili, soups, rice dishes and tacos. Keep flattening larger or firmer beans for young toddlers who are still learning to chew.
Why it’s good
Beans are rich in plant protein, iron, zinc and folate, all key for growing babies. Beans also give fiber, which supports healthy digestion and regular poops. Serve beans with vitamin C foods like tomato, bell pepper or citrus to help your baby absorb the iron.
Safety notes
- Whole beans are round and can be a choking hazard. Mash or flatten them for babies and young toddlers.
- Cook dried beans thoroughly. Raw or undercooked kidney beans contain a natural toxin (phytohaemagglutinin); soak, boil hard for at least 10 minutes, then simmer until very soft. Slow cookers alone may not get hot enough.
- Choose no-salt-added canned beans, or rinse and drain regular canned beans to cut sodium substantially.
- Avoid baked beans, refried beans and chili made for adults, which are often high in salt and sugar, unless you make a low-salt version at home.
- Soy beans (edamame) are a Top 9 allergen, and fava beans can cause a serious reaction in children with G6PD deficiency. Ask your pediatrician if either applies.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Most beans are not common allergens, but soybeans are one of the Top 9 allergens, and some children with peanut allergy also react to other legumes. Watch for hives, vomiting or swelling when introducing a new bean.
Beans for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about beans for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have beans?
Babies can have beans from 6 months, as soon as they start solids. Beans should be cooked until very soft and mashed, pureed or flattened.
Can babies eat beans?
Yes, babies can eat beans, and beans are one of the best plant sources of iron and protein for babies. Serve beans soft, mashed or flattened, and choose low-sodium options.
Are beans a choking hazard for babies?
Yes, whole beans can be a choking hazard for babies because they are small and round. Mash beans or squish each one flat before serving to babies and young toddlers.
Are beans a common allergen?
Most beans are not a common allergen, but soybeans are one of the Top 9 allergens. Children with peanut allergy can sometimes react to other legumes, so introduce new beans one at a time.
How do I serve beans to a 6 month old?
To serve beans to a 6 month old, cook them until very soft, then mash them with a fork or blend them with a little water or olive oil until smooth. Offer mashed beans on a spoon or a pre-loaded spoon. Toast strips with a thin bean spread and soft bean patties can follow at 7–8 months.
Are canned beans okay for babies?
Yes, canned beans are fine for babies and are a quick, convenient option. Choose no-salt-added cans, or rinse and drain regular canned beans well to remove much of the sodium.
Do beans make babies gassy?
Beans can make babies a little gassy because of their fiber and natural sugars. Start with a small amount, increase slowly, and cook beans until very soft; gas often settles as your baby's gut adjusts.
Do beans help with baby constipation?
Beans can help with baby constipation because they are high in fiber. Offer mashed beans along with water at meals, and call your pediatrician if constipation lasts or your baby seems uncomfortable.
Which beans are best for babies?
Soft, mild beans like black beans, pinto beans, cannellini, kidney beans and chickpeas are all great for babies. Rotate different beans to give your baby a range of flavors and nutrients.
Can babies eat baked beans or refried beans?
Babies can eat baked beans or refried beans that are low in salt and sugar, ideally homemade. Most store-bought baked beans and refried beans are high in sodium or sugar, so check labels and keep them occasional.
Are beans good for babies?
Yes, beans are one of the best foods for babies from 6 months, rich in plant protein, iron, zinc, folate and fiber. Cook them until very soft and serve them blended or mashed at first, then flattened from about 9 months. Pair beans with vitamin C foods like tomato or citrus to boost iron absorption.
Are beans good for toddlers?
Yes, beans are a great everyday food for toddlers over 12 months, giving protein, iron and fiber that support growth and regular poops. Serve soft-cooked whole beans in chili, soups, rice dishes and tacos. Keep flattening larger or firmer beans for young toddlers who are still learning to chew, and choose no-salt-added canned beans.
The takeaway
- Babies can have beans from 6 months, cooked until very soft.
- Cook beans until very soft, then blend or mash them with a little water, breast milk, formula or olive oil until smooth, removing loose skins if needed.
- Choking risk is medium. Not a Top 9 allergen, but offer a small amount first and watch for any reaction.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Iron Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.