When can babies eat Kidney Beans?
From 6 months
Start with: Perfectly smooth, strained puree.
Kidney beans are exceptionally high in plant-based iron and protein, making them vital for preventing anemia in growing infants. They are named for their shape and are a great source of complex carbohydrates for steady energy. Because of their thick skin and firm texture, they must be prepared carefully to ensure they are soft enough for a baby's gums.
How to serve Kidney Beans, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Perfectly smooth, strained puree.
Serve only as a smooth puree. Due to their thick skins, it is recommended to pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any skin fragments that might cause gagging. Mix with a little breast milk, formula, or olive oil to reach a creamy consistency. Pair with a Vitamin C source like tomato to unlock the iron.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Flattened, soft discs.
Offer 'Flat-Smashed' beans. Kidney beans are larger than black beans, so they MUST be smashed flat between your thumb and finger. They should look like flat discs. This allows the baby to practice their pincer grasp safely. You can also mash them into a thick stew with carrots and potatoes.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Whole, soft-cooked legumes.
Toddlers can eat whole kidney beans in chili, stews, or rice dishes, provided they are cooked until very soft. These beans are quite meaty and filling. Encourage the toddler to chew the skins thoroughly. Avoid giving them cold, firm beans straight from a salad as they can be difficult to manage.
Choking risk & safe preparation
High choking risk
Kidney beans are a significant choking hazard due to their large size, firm texture, and 'pill' shape. They can easily block an airway if swallowed whole. Always smash them flat for finger food. Never serve undercooked beans as they remain too firm to be safely mashed by a baby's gums.
Allergen information
Not a common childhood allergen. Reactions are possible with any food, so introduce it on its own first.
Nutrition & benefits
An incredible source of Potassium (405mg), which is essential for healthy heart function and fluid balance. They provide a high amount of Folate for brain health and have one of the highest antioxidant ratings among legumes due to their deep red skins.
- Heart Health
- Brain Food
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 337kcal
- Protein
- 22.5g
- Fat
- 1.1g
- Fiber
- 15.2g
- Iron
- 6.7mg
- Vitamin C
- 4.5mg
See all nutrients (25)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 337 kcal
- Protein
- 22.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 61.3 g
- Fat
- 1.1 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 6.7 mg
- Calcium
- 83 mg
- Zinc
- 2.8 mg
- Sodium
- 12 mg
- Potassium
- 1359 mg
- Magnesium
- 138 mg
- Phosphorus
- 406 mg
- Selenium
- 3.2 mcg
- Copper
- 0.7 mg
- Manganese
- 1.1 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 4.5 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 0.4 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.2 mg
- Vitamin K
- 5.6 mcg
- Folate
- 394 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- 0.6 mg
- Choline
- 65.9 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 15.2 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Frequently asked
Are kidney beans toxic if not cooked right?
Yes. Raw or undercooked kidney beans contain a toxin called phytohaemagglutinin. To be safe, dried beans must be soaked for at least 8 hours and then boiled vigorously for at least 10–30 minutes. Canned kidney beans are pre-cooked and safe to use immediately (just rinse them!).
Can kidney beans cause a lot of gas?
They can, because of certain complex sugars. Rinsing canned beans thoroughly or soaking dried beans and discarding the soaking water significantly reduces the compounds that cause gas. Introduce them in small amounts to let your baby's gut adjust.
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