Lentilsfor babies, by age.

6–8 months

Cook until very soft and mash or purée. Pair with a vitamin-C food (e.g., mashed sweet potato or fruit) to help iron absorption.

Texture mashed / purée

9–11 months

Soft whole lentils are manageable as pincer-grasp practice; keep them well cooked.

Texture soft whole / mashed

12 months+

In soft stews, soups, or as a side.

Texture soft whole

Sources

Every recommendation shows its source. We cite our sources so you can check them.

• — CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
• — AAP / HealthyChildren.org — Starting Solid Foods

Keep reading

• — The Starting Solids program (Beta) — the whole first-year arc, one calm step at a time.
• — Iron deficiency in toddlers
• — Baby feeding schedule, 6–12 months