Beans are a healthy source of
protein, fiber and B vitamins, and many babies enjoy their taste. Unless
you have a family history of bean or legume allergies, all types of
beans are safe for your baby. Allergies to beans and legumes can be
life-threatening, so always consult your baby's pediatrician before
introducing any variety of beans into her diet. Mash the beans with a
bit of warm water or combine with fruit or vegetable purees if your baby
is just starting out with solid foods. Older babies can eat quartered
or halved beans plain. However your baby eats her beans, she will be
getting a hefty dose of nutrition.Black Beans
Black
beans are a healthy way to increase your baby's protein and fiber
intake, two nutrients essential for proper growth and development. Puree
canned black beans with water, breast milk or formula to create a thin
consistency. You might also try combining black beans with pureed
carrots, peas, apples or bananas to add flavor, vitamins and minerals.
Use similar beans, such as fava beans, kidney beans, pinto beans and
white beans, to replace black beans to introduce your baby to the
flavors of many different kinds of beans.
Garbonzo Beans
Garbonzo
beans, also called chickpeas, are another bean that supplies your baby
with essential nutrients, including the B vitamins she needs for energy
production. Puree canned garbonzo beans with a bit of warm water to
create a thin consistency. Combine garbonzo bean puree with pureed peas
or berries to create new tastes for your baby to try. Add pureed meat,
such as chicken or beef, as another combination that will boost your
baby's protein intake even more. If your baby feeds herself, cut canned
garbonzo beans in halves or quarters and serve as a healthy side dish.
Green Beans
Green
beans are a healthy source of fiber, but differ from other types of
beans in taste and texture. These beans offer vitamin A and vitamin C
that other types of beans don't. Green beans are a common pureed baby
food and you can find jars of them in most supermarkets. Offer your
baby plain pureed green beans or add them to other purees, such as
carrots or chicken. Chopped green beans are an alternative once your
baby begins to feed herself.
Considerations
Do
not give your baby whole beans because they can pose a choking hazard.
Depending on the size of the bean, cut them into halves or quarters to
prevent choking. Choose canned beans that do not contain added salt
because your baby shouldn't have too much sodium in her diet. Offer your
baby one new type of bean at a time. Wait two or three days between new
kinds of beans. If your baby has a reaction to one kind, you will be
able to determine which bean was the culprit so that you can avoid a
similar reaction in the future. If legume or bean allergies run in your
family, speak with your baby's pediatrician before offering her beans.
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