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Lima beans for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

A creamy, buttery bean (also called butter beans) that works well cooked very soft and mashed for little eaters.

When to introduce: Around 8 months
Common allergen?: No (a legume, not a top-9 allergen)
Texture: Cooked very soft, mashed or lightly smashed
Key nutrients: Plant protein, fiber, iron, folate

When can babies eat lima beans?

Lima beans are naturally creamy and mild, which is exactly why they also go by the name butter beans. They are a legume, so they are not one of the top-9 allergens, but it is still smart to introduce them on their own like any new food. The one thing to watch is the skin, which can stay a little firm even after cooking. Cooking the beans until very soft and then mashing helps break that skin down so it is easy to manage. Use canned lima beans with no added salt, rinsed well, or cook dried ones until they are truly tender.

How to prepare lima beans, by age

8 monthsCook until very soft, then mash into a smooth or lightly textured puree so the skins break down.

9 monthsLightly smash whole soft beans so they flatten and are easy to pick up and gum.

12 months+Offer soft whole beans or fold them into rice, soups, and mashed vegetables.

Are lima beans safe? Choking & prep

Cook lima beans until they are very soft, and mash or smash them, since the firm skins and rounded shape can be tricky for new eaters. Use canned beans with no added salt (rinse them well) or cook dried beans thoroughly until tender. Dried beans should always be fully cooked, never served firm or undercooked.

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Nutrition

Lima beans offer plant protein, fiber, iron, and folate, which makes them a solid meat-free option. Pairing them with a vitamin C food like tomato or bell pepper helps the body absorb the iron. Their natural creaminess also makes mashing quick and easy.

Goes well with

Rice · Tomato · Sweet potato

Storage & freezing

Refrigerate cooked lima beans in a sealed container and use within three to four days, or freeze cooled beans in small portions for quick future meals.

Frequently asked questions

Are lima beans and butter beans the same thing?

Yes. Butter beans are simply another name for lima beans, given for their smooth, buttery texture. Larger, paler ones are often labeled butter beans and smaller ones lima beans, but they are the same legume.

Do I need to remove the skins?

You usually do not have to if you cook the beans very soft and mash them, since mashing breaks the skins down. For a smoother first puree, you can slip off any stubborn skins after cooking.

Are lima beans a common allergen?

Legumes are not among the top-9 allergens, so lima beans are not a common trigger. Still introduce them on their own for a few days, as you would with any new food.

Can I use canned lima beans?

Yes, just choose a no-salt-added variety and rinse them well before cooking them soft. Rinsing also washes off some of the canning liquid.

Sources

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How we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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