Beans
Usually introduced around 6 months
Prep warning
Cook beans until very soft and serve them without added salt. Canned beans are often salty, so rinse them well or choose a no-salt-added option.
Choking notes
A whole bean is a small, firm, rounded shape that can be a choking hazard. Mash or flatten each bean before serving so no intact bean is left whole, and supervise closely while your baby eats.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Cook beans until completely soft, then mash them smooth or flatten each one well. A bean mash or a no-salt purée spreads easily onto a spoon or a soft strip of food. Make sure no whole bean is left intact.
Mashed smooth or each bean flattened; no whole beans.
9-12 months
Keep beans soft-cooked. As the pincer grasp develops, your baby can pick up beans that are squashed or halved. Continue to flatten each round bean so it is not a whole, firm shape.
Squashed or halved; round beans still flattened.
12-18 months
Serve beans in soft, family-style dishes. Lightly squash or chop larger beans. Whole soft beans are fine once your toddler chews reliably, but until then keep flattening rounded beans and watch each mouthful.
Lightly squashed or chopped; whole soft beans only when chewing is reliable.
Key nutrients
Common questions
When can my baby eat Beans?
Most babies can try Beans from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
Track Beans and every first food in nappi
Log solids, watch for reactions, and get reminders to reintroduce new foods. Free to try.