Frijoles rojos

Yes. Kidney beans are packed with protein, fiber, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, and folate. Kidney beans also contain good amounts of two other nutrients commonly deficient in babies, iron and zinc, which support healthy blood, development, and growth. The bean’s red skin is also packed with antioxidants to support the body’s resilience.

★Tip: Vitamin C helps our bodies absorb iron from plant sources, so serve kidney beans with foods that are high in vitamin C, such as asparagus, bell pepper, cauliflower, or peas.

Potentially, yes. Kidney beans are not a common choking hazard, but their small size and rounded shape can pose a risk, especially if not cooked thoroughly. To reduce the risk, make sure kidney beans are fully cooked and soft. If you’d like to reduce the risk further, you can press each bean between your fingers to flatten it, or mash the beans into a paste. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Kidney beans are not considered to be a common allergen. However, cases of allergic reactions to red kidney bean have been reported, some of which have been severe. Phytohemagglutinin, a lectin protein, can trigger both toxic and allergic reactions to red kidney bean. Adequately cooking the beans can help to break down the protein and reduce the risk of reactivity.

Bean allergies have been reported in some patients with allergies to other legumes, including peanut and soybean (which are common food allergens). However, being allergic to one type of legume does not necessarily mean that an individual will be allergic to others, although the risk of more than one legume allergy can increase. Fortunately, most individuals with peanut or soy allergy are able to tolerate other legumes.

Individuals with allergies to tree pollen and/or Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to legumes, such as kidney beans. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes. Just look for kidney beans in cans marked “no salt added” or “low sodium,” as some canned products are high in sodium. Opt for cans marked “BPA-free,” when available. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the interior of some food containers, and studies have shown that frequent exposure can affect baby’s neurological development.

★Tip: Draining and rinsing canned beans can significantly reduce their sodium content.

Yes, as long as the beans are cooked thoroughly (canned beans have already been cooked, so they don’t need to be cooked again). Undercooked beans can contain toxic compounds, such as phytohemagglutinin, that can lead to gastrointestinal upset and serious illness. Kidney beans in particular contain high amounts of this toxin. Boiling the bean for a minimum of 10 minutes has been found to destroy these compounds, though it is recommended to boil for at least 30 minutes to make sure. Slow cookers (such as Crock Pots) are not recommended as a method for cooking kidney beans, since they often do not adequately get hot enough to break down the toxin.

Other plant compounds nicknamed “antinutrients” such as lectins, oxalates, and phytates are also present in kidney beans. These compounds have gained the nickname “anti-nutrients” because they can decrease absorption of other specific nutrients, however they also break down during the process of soaking and cooking on high heat and are generally harmless in healthy people when consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet, so just make sure that kidney beans are fully cooked until tender before serving.

No, although soaking dried kidney beans before cooking can help significantly reduce cooking time, as well as reduce the content of lectins and a gas-producing carbohydrate, raffinose, therefore making the bean easier to digest.

Here are a couple of soaking methods:

Yes. Beans are well-known for their ability to produce gas and poop. That’s because the high amounts of fibers and resistant starches interact with certain bacteria in the gut, resulting in gas, helping move poop, and contributing to a diverse ecosystem in the digestive tract. While gas is normal and expected, excess gas can be uncomfortable for baby. To minimize digestive discomfort, introduce high-fiber foods like kidney beans gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about your baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.