Snow Pea

Snow peas, when cooked, may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is usually around 6 months of age.

Snow peas and snap peas have different flavor, shape, and size. Snow peas have flat, thin pods containing smaller peas. Snap peas have round, thicker pods containing bigger peas. Both snow peas and snap peas produce delicate flowers and sweet young sprouts that are featured in congees, curries, stir-fries, and many more dishes with roots in Asia, the native home of both legumes.

Yes. Snow peas are a good source of folate and vitamins B6, C, and K, which collectively support neurodevelopment, metabolism, immune function, and healthy blood clotting. Plus, they offer fiber to support digestive health and modest amounts of iron for baby’s red blood cells. Lastly, snow peas are rich in antioxidants to help support the body’s resilience against stressors.

No. Snow peas are not a common allergen. Pea allergies have been reported in some patients with allergies to other legumes, particularly chickpea and lentil. Being allergic to one type of legume does not necessarily mean that an individual will be allergic to all others, although the risk of having more than one legume allergy can increase. Fortunately, most individuals with peanut or soy allergy (both common food allergens) are able to tolerate other legumes, such as snow peas, just fine.

Individuals with allergies to birch tree pollen and/or Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to legumes. 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 snow peas can help minimize and even eliminate the 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, the firm texture of snow peas poses some risk. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve snow peas in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within 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.

When first getting started, offer a small amount and trust that baby knows how to show interest in wanting more by grunting, pointing, or reaching out. Keep in mind that most babies between 6 and 9 months of age do not consume much solid food at first. For babies between 10 and 12 months of age, work toward what a balanced adult meal would look like, just with smaller portions than what you might have. Follow the child’s lead: when baby indicates “more”, offer more food. When baby shows signs that they are finished, stop offering food.

It’s flexible. Generally speaking, bring baby to the table at least once per day between 6 and 7 months of age, twice per day between 8 and 9 months of age, and 3 times per day starting at around 10 months of age. See our sample feeding schedules for details.