Red Lentils
Legume
- Age Suggestion
- 6 months
- Iron-Rich
- Yes
- Common Allergen
- No
When can babies have red lentils?
Red lentils may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Red lentils are hulled and split lentils with a reddish-orange color. They are widely used in cuisines throughout the lands around the Mediterranean and South Asia, appearing in dishes like Indian dal and lentil soups like shorbat adas. Their naturally soft texture when cooked makes them well-suited for soups, stews, porridges, and more.
How do you serve red lentils to babies?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 months old +:
Serve red lentils that have been cooked in liquid until they are soft and scoopable, such as in dishes like khichdi, masoor dal, or parippu. Some texture is fine, the lentils don’t need to be perfectly smooth, although you can puree them to your desired consistency. Alternatively, serve cooked red lentils mixed with foods that are easy to scoop, such as mashed vegetables, grain porridges, or yogurt. Encourage self-feeding by letting baby scoop with their hands or by pre-loading a utensil for baby to grab. This is also a great age to explore using lentils to make large, soft burgers, patties, and other round foods, whose shapes are easier for babies to pick up and hold. Lastly, you can also serve pasta or noodles made with red lentils as desired.
9 months old +:
Serve bite-sized pieces of burgers, patties, or other foods made with cooked red lentils, including pasta made with lentils. Or, continue to offer red lentils that have been cooked in liquid until they are soft and scoopable, such as in dishes like khichdi, masoor dal, or parippu. Some texture is fine, the lentils don’t need to be perfectly smooth, although you can puree them to your desired consistency. Alternatively, serve cooked red lentils mixed with foods that are easy to scoop, such as mashed vegetables, grain porridges, or yogurt. Encourage self-feeding by letting baby scoop with their hands or by pre-loading a utensil for baby to grab.
12 months old +:
Offer cooked red lentils in meals as desired. Let the child eat with their hands or offer an age-appropriate utensil for practice. Just remember that using utensils can be exhausting for new eaters, so don’t be surprised if the child toggles back and forth between feeding themselves with their fingers and utensils. Try not to apply too much pressure; consistent and accurate utensil use will come in due time—often sometime after the second birthday.
Pair lentils with foods that are rich in vitamin C to boost the body’s ability to absorb the iron in the lentils. Try foods like bell pepper, pumpkin, or tomato.
Freeze cooked red lentils in small batches for easy meal prep.
Boost protein in pasta sauce by adding cooked red lentils. Leave the lentils with some texture, or puree the sauce before adding to the pasta.
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Are lentils a choking hazard for babies?
No. Well-cooked lentils present a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve lentils in an age-appropriate way. As always, create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals.
Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.
Are lentils a common allergen?
No. Lentils are not recognized as a common allergen in the United States. However, allergies to lentils are possible.[1] [2] In Spain, for example, lentil allergy impacts a significant portion of the pediatric population.[3] [4]
Being allergic to other legumes, particularly pea and chickpea (and to a lesser extent, peanut), may increase the risk of allergy to lentils.[5] [6] However, cross-reactivity among legumes is more commonly seen on blood and skin testing than it is in practice. Children with lentil allergy do not necessarily need to avoid all other legumes. Individuals with allergies to birch tree pollen and/or Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to lentils.[7] Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking the lentils completely can help to minimize the reaction.
Is red lentils healthy for babies?
Yes. Red lentils are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein. They also provide iron, zinc, folate, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins—nutrients that support growth, neurodevelopment, and immune function.
Do I need to start solids with purees?
You can if you’d like, but there's no developmental need to start with textureless food. Babies can be served modified versions of what you eat. Use our First Foods Database to find how to safely serve any food.
Reference Material
Start solids with confidence
- Guided Introduction to 100+ Foods
- Smart Tools to Simplify Mealtime
- Food Allergen 101
- 300+ Meal Ideas
- First Foods® Database
Start solids with confidence
- Guided Introduction to 100+ Foods
- Smart Tools to Simplify Mealtime
- Food Allergen 101
- 300+ Meal Ideas
- First Foods® Database
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