Lentils are one of the best first foods for babies. Rich in critical nutrients, it is digestible and can be made to fit countless infant-friendly recipes too.
If you are introducing solid foods to your baby or you want to make some changes to their diet, lentils for babies are a great option.
Read more about the nutritional value of lentils in this blog, when and how you should start adding lentils to the diet of your child, and some delicious lentil recipes and storage precautions that will make meal prepping easier.
Nutritional Benefits of Lentils for Babies
Full of nutritious lentils provides so many amazing things for growing babies. So, here is why they should be an integral part of Little One's diet
- High Protein Content: Significant for growth and development, lentil is a form of plant protein for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- High in fibre: Promotes healthy digestion and relief from constipation, a primary complaint with babies.
- Iron and Folate: Necessary for the development of the brain and proper formation of red blood cells
- Vitamin B Complex: Involved in energy production and the general metabolic processes.
- Magnesium and potassium: are vital to proper muscle function and maintaining a sound nervous system.
- Antioxidants: Boost immunity and help prevent diseases.
When to Introduce Lentils to Your Baby
At 6 months of age, lentils should be introduced to babies as they are beginning to consume solid foods. Here are some of the weighty considerations:
- Begin with tiny amounts (1-2 teaspoons) and then raise the measure.
- You can introduce one type of lentil at a time to check for allergies or digestive issues.
- Cook lentils well in advance to make them more digestible and decrease bloating.
- Bring it lentil in a wee-toothed form at the start, and then dal as your baby starts to crush foods.
How to Prepare Lentils for Your Baby
Lentils are quick to cook and baby-friendly in different recipes. Follow these steps:
Select lentils: Red lentils (masoor dal) and yellow lentils (moong dal) are the most digestible ones.
Soak lentils: 5-10 hours to decrease gas and increase the benefit of absorption.
Simmer to soft: cook lentils until they are smooth and mushy (about 15-20 mins)
Mix or mash (depending on the age of your baby): You can either puree the lentils or give them as a thicker mash.
No salt and sugar: Be sure to avoid salt or sugar in your baby if below 1 year of age
Best Lentil Recipes for Babies
Top 5 easy lentil-based recipes that are super nutritious:
1. 6+ months Lentil Puree
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup red lentils
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Rinse and soak 2 hours in advance for lentils.
- Cook until soft over water.
- Blended to a smoothie.
- Serve warm.
2.) Lentil Veg mash (7+ months)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup moong dal
- 1 small carrot (chopped)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Simmer together lentils and carrots until tender.
- Spoon/mash with a spoon for an easier texture.
- Serve hot.
3. Lentil Khichdi (8+ months)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup moong dal
- 1/4 cup rice
- 1/2 tsp ghee
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Soak lentils and rice and wash over for 30 minutes
- Cook in a pressure cooker till tender
- Chop and mix with a bit of ghee before serving.
4. Lentil Pancakes (10+ months)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of moong dal soaked
- 1 tbsp rice flour
- 1/4 cup water
- A pinch of cumin powder
Instructions:
- To the smooth mixture of water and soaked lentils (moong dal)
- a sprinkle of rice flour and cumin powder
- Place on a nonstick pan like a pancake.
- Eat warm flavours
Safety Considerations for Feeding Lentils to Babies
Be watchful for allergies: Lentil allergies are not common, watch for rashes, vomiting/diarrhea.
Ease in slowly: Lentils can cause gas and/or bloat if you try to eat too many at once.
Avoid raw and rawly cooked lentils: They are difficult foods to digest and might cause discomfort.
Complement with high Vitamin C foods: Improve the absorption of iron (in a soup for example, you could mix some mashed tomatoes or oranges with lentils).
Tips for Storing and Batch-Preparing Lentils for Babies
Batch Cook: Prepare big batches with a big container and then store them in airtight containers.
Freezer Purees: Transfer lentil purees into ice cube trays and freeze for serving
Take Care of your Dried Lentils: Store them in a dry, cool airtight container.
Use in 3 days: Lentils can be refrigerated and used for 3 days, to prolong freshness.
Conclusion
A very nutritious, easy to digest, and baby-friendly food (for ages over 10 months), Lentils Lentils are a plant food for babies that is rich in protein, fibre and the vitamins they need to grow.
When you add lentils at the optimal time and prepare them in a healthy way, you can eat healthy, nutritious meals for your little one.
Give various lentil recipes a try, keep them in the fridge, and watch your baby consume these legumes with nutrients!
