Step 1: First tiny taste
Offer a small taste of well-cooked mashed or pureed split pea. Watch for concerning symptoms during and after the feed.
Split Pea
Overview
Split pea is a complementary legume appropriate from about 6 months. Offer it as a single new food first.
Preparation
Cook split peas until they are soft enough to mash easily with a fork, then mash or puree for first offers. Do not offer dry hard peas. Supervise every meal.
Three-step introduction
Step 2: Larger offer
If tolerated, offer a larger amount of the same prepared split pea at a later feed.
Step 3: Include regularly
Keep soft split pea 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 split peas for a baby?
Cook split peas until they are soft enough to mash easily with a fork, then mash or puree for early complementary feeds. Do not offer dry hard peas. Always supervise eating.
Sources
- WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age (2023)
- CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- FAO/WHO — Risk assessment of food allergens: Part 1 (Codex priority allergen list)
- FDA — Food Allergies (major food allergens / Big 9)
- CDC — Infant and Toddler Nutrition FAQs