When can babies eat quinoa?
Quinoa may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Background and origins of quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is native to South America, where the plant has grown wild in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru for thousands of years. In Quechua, the ancestral language of the Incan people, quinoa is known as chisiya mama (or “mother of all grains”) and holds sacred status as a staple food that is believed to hold special powers, including enhancing the quantity of breast milk in women. Today, the plant is cultivated primarily for its edible seeds. Yes, quinoa is actually a seed—not a grain! Quinoa seeds have a comparable nutritional make-up and texture to grains. They are even ground down into flour, just like wheat, and used as a substitute for grains in many recipes, from pancakes to tortillas to quick breads and more.
Quinoa has an earthy, nutty flavor with a powerful nutritional profile, which makes it a great first “grain” for babies. Check out the health benefits, Just be forewarned: those tiny grains are annoying to clean up!
Videos
Is quinoa healthy for babies?
Yes! The tiny seeds are packed with nutrients that your baby needs to thrive. Quinoa contains a fair amount of iron and protein, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for heart health, calcium for strong bones, B vitamins for energy, magnesium for cell function, zinc for immune health, and the list goes on!
Quinoa is an excellent replacement for rice and other whole grains. It provides double the protein per serving as wheat or brown rice, and as an added bonus, it boasts a full amino acid profile. Amino acids are the building blocks of every protein in the body, and it’s unusual to find all of them in one plant source.
While there are claims that saponin (the protective plant compound in a quinoa seed’s outer coating) is harmful to our gut lining, don’t worry too much. Saponin typically only causes problems for people with sensitivities or individuals with gut disorders who consume high volumes of quinoa. In fact, the phytochemical is actually beneficial with its antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory effects.
Is quinoa a common choking hazard for babies?
No. Quinoa seeds are not choking hazards, though they can clump together in the cooking process. Be sure to fluff and separate quinoa with a fork before serving to your baby.
For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.
Is quinoa a common allergen?
No. Quinoa allergy is rare. If your baby has Celiac Disease, talk with your doctor or allergist before introducing quinoa. There are different varieties of quinoa, one of which has been found to contain a protein component that can cause reactions.
If you suspect your baby may be allergic to grains, talk with a pediatric allergist before introducing quinoa at home. Otherwise, as with any new food, introduce quinoa in small quantities to start and if there are no adverse reactions, gradually increase the quantity served over future servings.
How do you prepare quinoa for babies with baby-led weaning?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.
6 to 12 months old:
Try cooking quinoa as a porridge or fold it into another “scoop-able” dish for your baby, which will lead to fewer quinoa seeds to clean up. Another easy way to serve this superfood: quinoa balls. Mix the cooked seeds with a food that can act as a binding agent—hello, cheese!—and form baby-sized balls for easy grabbing and holding. Look for recipes that are and easy to make and just hold the salt.
12 to 18 months old:
Continue with quinoa balls and quinoa porridge. This is also a great age to introduce quinoa salad with a spoon. Help your baby along by adding another splash of olive oil to the cooked quinoa (which causes the seeds to stick to the utensil) and pre-load your baby’s spoon if need be.
18 to 24 months old:
Time to play! Quinoa is versatile, so try using it in your favorite recipe and experiment with new ones. Quinoa salad, quinoa burgers, quinoa soup, quinoa casserole, quinoa bread, quinoa muffins, quinoa cakes, the list goes on!
Some varieties of quinoa have a slight bitterness from the saponin in the seed coating. If bitter is not your thing, minimize the flavor by rinsing quinoa in cold water before cooking.
For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.
Coconut Quinoa Porridge*
Age Suggestion
6 months+
Ingredients
Quinoa
Coconut milk
Banana
Vanilla extract (optional)
Finely ground nuts (optional)
Note: This recipe contains coconut, which is classified as a tree nut (allergen) by the FDA. Coconut allergy is rare.
Directions
Rinse ½ cup of quinoa in a mesh colander until the water runs clear.
Bring 1 cup of coconut milk to a gentle simmer. Add the quinoa. Cook until done, about 15 minutes.
While the quinoa is cooking, peel and mash a banana in a mixing bowl.
If your baby is 12 months old and up, add a tiny drop of vanilla extract to the banana and 1 teaspoon of finely ground nuts, such as cashews, pecans, or walnuts, if you’d like. Stir to combine.
Fold in the cooked quinoa to the banana mixture. Cool to room temperature.
Serve in a bowl that suctions to the table. To encourage self-feeding, pre-load a spoon and hand it to your baby in the air or rest the utensil on the edge of the bowl for an easy pick-up.
*This recipe contains allergens. Only serve after introducing coconut and wheat (since some quinoa strains contain a similar protein), and of course, the nut that you choose to add.
Pairings
Quinoa is earthy, hearty, and nutty—flavors that pair well with both acidic and sweet foods. Try mixing quinoa with fruits like apple, banana, cranberry, mango, and pear and vegetables like cucumbers, kale, mustard greens, and peppers. Stir in nuts like pecans or walnuts or tangy cheese like feta or chevre for a dose of healthy fats. Add grassy herbs and alliums like chives and scallions to add brightness. You’ve got yourself a salad that is great on its own or paired with pretty much any fish or meat.
By
Jamie Truppi
Certified nutrition specialist
Expert Tips Delivered to Your Inbox
Sign up for new guides, recipes and special offers
