Protein Food Library
When can babies have split peas?
Can babies have split peas?
Babies can have split peas from about 6 months. Cook split peas until they fall apart into a soft puree or thick soup, and they are easy to spoon, scoop or spread. Split peas are a budget-friendly source of plant protein, iron and fiber.
How to serve split peas by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Simmer split peas until they fall apart, then blend or mash them into a smooth puree, thinned with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula if needed. Offer it on a spoon or a pre-loaded spoon.
7–8 months
Mash split peas into a thicker, lumpier puree and offer it for scooping, or thicken it with a little oatmeal and spread it on a soft toast strip.
9–12 months
Serve thick split pea soup or dal on a spoon or for scooping with soft bread. Split pea puree can also be mixed into rice or used as a dip for soft roasted vegetables.
12 months +
Toddlers can eat split pea soup, dal and split pea fritters with the family. Keep salt low and avoid ham hock or bacon for flavor, since these add a lot of sodium.
Why it’s good
Split peas are rich in plant protein, fiber, folate, iron, zinc and potassium. Pairing split peas with a vitamin C food like tomato, bell pepper or orange helps babies absorb more of the iron. Split peas are also filling and gentle once cooked soft.
Safety notes
- Cook split peas until completely soft. Undercooked split peas are hard and gritty.
- Rinse dry split peas and pick out any small stones or debris before cooking.
- Classic split pea soup often uses ham, bacon or bouillon, which are high in sodium. Use herbs, onion and garlic for flavor instead.
- Split peas can cause gas at first. Start with small portions and offer water.
- Store cooked split peas in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze in small portions.
A low-allergy food, still worth watching
Split peas are not a common allergen and are not in the Top 9. Pea allergy can occur, and some children with a peanut allergy also react to peas, so watch for hives, vomiting or swelling the first few times.
Split peas for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about split peas for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have split peas?
Babies can have split peas from about 6 months, cooked until soft and mashed. Split peas make an easy, iron-rich puree or thick soup for new eaters.
Can babies have split peas?
Yes, babies can eat split peas from 6 months when they are cooked until they fall apart. Split peas are a good plant source of protein, iron and fiber.
Are split peas a choking hazard for babies?
Split peas are a low choking risk when they are cooked until completely soft and mushy. Undercooked split peas can be hard, so make sure they mash easily before serving.
Are split peas a common allergen?
Split peas are not a common allergen and are not one of the Top 9. Pea allergy can happen, and some children with a peanut allergy react to peas, so watch closely at first.
How do I serve split peas to a 6 month old?
To serve split peas to a 6 month old, simmer them until they fall apart and blend or mash into a smooth puree. Offer the split pea puree on a spoon or pre-loaded spoon; spreading it on soft toast strips can follow at 7–8 months.
Do I need to soak split peas?
Split peas do not need soaking before cooking. Rinse them well and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, until soft and broken down.
Is split pea soup good for babies?
Homemade split pea soup is a nourishing food for babies when it is made without ham, bacon or salty stock. Canned split pea soup is usually high in sodium, so homemade is best.
Are split peas good for baby constipation?
Split peas are high in fiber, which can help keep a baby's stools soft. Offer water with meals and add split peas slowly to limit gas.
What is the difference between yellow and green split peas for babies?
Yellow and green split peas are both healthy for babies and cook the same way. Green split peas taste a little sweeter, while yellow split peas are milder and are often used in dal.
The takeaway
- Babies can have split peas from about 6 months.
- Simmer split peas until they fall apart, then blend or mash them into a smooth puree, thinned with a little cooking water, breast milk or formula if needed.
- Choking risk is low. 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
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 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.