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Navy Beans for Babies: When and How to Serve Them

Navy beans are small, mild, creamy white beans and one of the cheapest beans you can buy. Cooked very soft and mashed, they make an easy, iron-rich food for babies.

When to introduce
Around 6 months
Common allergen?
No (not a common allergen)
Texture
Cooked very soft and mashed
Key nutrients
Iron, fiber, plant protein, folate

When can babies eat navy beans?

Navy beans are the small, creamy white beans best known as the base of baked beans. They have a mild flavor and turn soft and smooth when cooked well, which makes them an inexpensive and gentle food for babies. Like other beans, they are a solid source of iron and protein. The main things to keep in mind are cooking them until they are very soft and flattening or mashing whole beans so they are easy and safe to eat.

How to prepare navy beans for baby-led weaning (BLW) and purées, by age

6 monthsCook navy beans until they are very soft, then mash them smooth, adding a little water or breast milk to loosen if needed. Serve on a preloaded spoon.
9 monthsOffer soft beans that you have flattened between your fingers so they are easy to gum, or serve a coarse mash your baby can scoop.
12 months+Serve soft whole or mashed navy beans as part of a meal. If you use canned baked beans, choose a plain, lower-sugar option and watch the added salt.

Are navy beans safe? Choking & prep

Cook navy beans until they are very soft and mash them for young babies. Whole beans are a mild choking risk, so flatten or mash them before serving. If you use canned baked beans, watch the added sugar and salt and prefer a plain version.

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Nutrition

Navy beans provide iron, fiber, plant protein, and folate, a helpful mix for a growing baby. Pairing them with a vitamin-C food can help your baby absorb more of the plant-based iron they offer.

Goes well with

Tomato · Carrot · Chicken

Storage & freezing

Refrigerate cooked navy beans in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

More proteins to explore

🦪
OystersAround 6 months, always fully cooked
🥜
PeanutAround 6 months (introduce early)
🥜
PecanAround 9 months
🌰
Pine nuts (ground)Around 9 months, ground or crushed
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Pinto beansAround 6 months
🥜
PistachioAround 9 months

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat navy beans?

Babies can usually try navy beans around 6 months. Cook them until very soft and mash them smooth, or flatten whole beans so they are easy and safe to eat.

Are navy beans a common allergen?

No, beans are not among the common allergens. As with any new food, introduce them and watch how your baby responds, but they are considered low risk.

Are baked beans okay for babies?

Plain, cooked navy beans are ideal. Canned baked beans can be high in added sugar and salt, so if you use them, choose a lower-sugar, lower-salt version.

Are whole navy beans a choking hazard?

They are a mild risk for young babies, so flatten or mash them before serving. As your baby gets more skilled at eating, soft whole beans become easier to manage.

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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