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Chickpeas for Babies: When to Start and How to Serve Them by Age

Chickpeas can be offered from around 6 months, once your baby has started solids. Whole chickpeas are round and firm, so mash them or squash each one flat for babies. Mashed chickpeas or hummus on toast fingers make an easy first finger food; hummus usually contains tahini (sesame), a common allergen. Use dried chickpeas cooked until soft, or tinned ones in water with no added salt.

📲 28 Bibful recipes with chickpeas

How to serve it by age

  1. Chickpeas, 6–8 months 6–8 months

    ✋ Finger food (BLW)

    Toast fingers spread thinly with mashed chickpeas or hummus.

    🥣 Purée or spoon

    Blend cooked chickpeas with sweet potato, carrot or tomato.

  2. Chickpeas, 9–12 months 9–12 months

    ✋ Finger food (BLW)

    Soft cooked chickpeas, each squashed flat.

    🥣 Purée or spoon

    Mashed chickpeas in stews, curries and pasta sauces.

  3. Chickpeas, 12+ months 12+ months

    ✋ Finger food (BLW)

    Soft whole chickpeas in family meals, squashed if your toddler isn’t chewing well yet.

    🥣 Purée or spoon

    Chickpea stews, mild curries, soups and hummus.

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28 Bibful recipes with chickpeas

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Preparation tips

Frequently asked questions

When can babies eat chickpeas?

From around 6 months, once your baby has started solids, mashed, as hummus, or squashed flat.

Can babies eat hummus?

Yes, from around 6 months. Hummus usually contains tahini (sesame), a common allergen, so start with a small amount and watch for a reaction. Shop-bought hummus is often salty; homemade without salt is best.

Should I remove chickpea skins?

You don’t have to. Rubbing off the skins makes purées and hummus smoother; squashed chickpeas are fine with the skins on.

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This page is general information, not medical advice. It follows NHS Start for Life and World Health Organization guidance on introducing solid foods. Always stay with your baby while they eat, and speak to your health visitor or GP if you have concerns about feeding, allergies or choking.