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Lentil

Category
Legume
Recommended age
6 months
Priority allergen
Not a priority allergen
Nutrition highlights
Iron, Zinc
Lentil

Overview

Lentil is a complementary legume appropriate from about 6 months. Offer it as a single new food first.

Preparation

Cook lentils until they are soft enough to mash easily with a fork, then mash or puree for first offers. Do not offer dry hard lentils. Supervise every meal.

Three-step introduction

Step 1: First tiny taste

Offer a small taste of well-cooked mashed or pureed lentil. Watch for concerning symptoms during and after the feed.

Step 2: Larger offer

If tolerated, offer a larger amount of the same prepared lentil at a later feed.

Step 3: Include regularly

Keep soft lentil in complementary meals as desired.

FAQ

When are babies usually ready for solid foods?

Complementary foods are typically introduced around 6 months of age, when the baby shows developmental readiness (for example, sitting with support, good head control, and swallowing food rather than pushing it out). Introducing solids before 4 months is not recommended.

Do I need to introduce foods in a certain order?

For most children, there is no required order for first foods. Fruits, vegetables, meats and other proteins, and other food groups can all be part of complementary feeding around 6 months.

How should I prepare lentils for a baby?

Cook lentils until they are soft enough to mash easily with a fork, then mash or puree for early complementary feeds. Do not offer dry hard lentils. Always supervise eating.

How can I help my baby absorb iron from lentils?

Lentils provide non-heme (plant) iron, which is less easily absorbed than iron from meat. Pairing non-heme iron foods with vitamin C–rich foods, such as citrus fruit, berries, tomato, or broccoli, can help iron absorption. This is educational nutrition guidance, not a diagnosis or a supplement plan.

Sources

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