A guide to butterbeans in babies

Can babies eat butterbeans?

Yes! Butterbeans are a great source of plant-based protein, calcium, iron and fibre for babies - iron in particular is an important nutrient in the first years of life. (Scroll to the bottom of this page for my baby’s first butterbean puree recipe)

But…

Are butterbeans a choking hazard in babies? Yes! Butterbeans are small, round, slippery and firm- and these are risk factors for potential choking hazards in babies

When can I offer my baby butterbeans for the first time?

Butterbeans can be offered from 6 months if they are modified first- by cooking until soft and either blending or mashing

Once your baby has tried a few first foods- like root veggies- I recommend introducing beans and pulses - like butterbeans -alongside other sources of iron/protein like eggs, meat and fish (if you eat these foods)

Anything else to know?

Due to the high fibre content of beans and pulses I wouldn’t suggest to offer them in excess in the early days of starting solids. Whilst being good for the gut microbiome, we know from older children and adults that when we suddenly increase fibre intake we can get a temporary increase in gas and bloating which can be uncomfortable, and babies have sensitive bellies which are developing and so they need to be introduced to food - especially foods high in fibre - gently

When can my baby have whole cooked butter beans?

This is an individual one- most weaning experts will suggest from around 1 year of age you can give well-cooked, soft, whole beans- but it totally depends on your little one’s own progress with chewing skills and eating solids. Let them guide you with this one!

And remember, babies can choke on any food or drink, including puree. Ensure your little one is developmentally ready for solids, and follow their lead. Seek advice if you want individual advice on weaning or starting solids

Dried, canned or jar?

• Dried: dried butterbeans need to be slow cooked for around 6-8 hours, or - they need to be soaked in cold water for around 8 hours before being cooked on a simmer for about an hour. Once cooked you can store them in the fridge or freeze them

• Jar/canned beans: these beans are pre-cooked and ready to eat, they can be warmed through or used straight from the jar/can. I would recommend rinsing under running water for babies just starting out with solids as the stocks can be salty.

Babies first butterbean puree

YOU NEED

• Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 x 400g can/jar cooked butter beans, drained and rinsed with water

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• For blending: babies usual milk or a plant alternative like coconut milk

TO MAKE

Rinse the beans under running water in a sieve to remove the stock which can be a little salty

Heat a small drizzle of oil in a pan, add the beans, and lemon zest and juice, cook for 4-5 mins or so

Add the warm beans to a blender and whizz until smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed to get the right texture

Tip

Double up the recipe and add a grated garlic clove or two to the mix before warming in a pan and use as a dip for the rest of the family with warm toasted flatbread fingers and roasted veggies, or mash instead of blending and serve as a high protein mash with sausages and gravy for adults and big kids!

Check out my ‘Roasted tomato and pepper, creamy butter bean pastaaa’ suitable for the whole family and the delicious creamy sauce can be offered as a nutrient dense puree to babies too