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Split Peas for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

They melt into a soft, dal-like mush with almost no effort. Cheap, iron-rich, and baby-friendly.

When to introduce: Around 6 months
Common allergen?: No (not a common allergen)
Texture: Soft when well cooked
Key nutrients: Iron, protein, fiber, folate

When can babies eat split peas?

Split peas are a great early food from around 6 months. Like lentils, they cook right down into a soft, smooth mush with no skins to fuss over. They are rich in iron and protein, which babies need as milk alone stops being enough.

How to prepare split peas, by age

6 monthsCook split peas until very soft and mushy, then purée or mash into a dal-like texture.

9 monthsOffer thicker, soft split peas your baby can scoop and pick up.

12 months+Stir into stews, rice, and family meals.

Is split peas safe? Choking & prep

Cook split peas until completely soft. Pair with iron-boosting vitamin C foods. Skip added salt.

First time with split peas? Log the bite and it lands on your baby's tried-it list, dated and ready for the pediatrician.

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Nutrition

Split peas are a strong plant source of iron and protein, plus fiber and folate. Serve with a vitamin C food to help the iron absorb.

Goes well with

Rice · Carrot · Spinach

Storage & freezing

Cooked split peas keep 3 days in the fridge and freeze well in portions.

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat split peas?

Around 6 months, cooked until very soft and mashed or puréed into a dal-like texture.

Do I need to soak split peas first?

No, unlike whole dried beans they do not need soaking. Just simmer them until they collapse into a soft mush.

Are split peas the same as lentils?

They are similar and used the same way. Both cook down soft and smooth, and both are great early iron sources for babies.

Green or yellow split peas for baby?

Either works. They cook and mash the same way, so pick whichever you have on hand.

Sources

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Track it in Yummy Yucky

Log first tries, get nudged through the 3-day allergen watch, and keep every bite in one place you can share with your pediatrician.

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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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