Parents often search for various foods which will be good for their babies. Now, your baby needs nutritious foods to stay healthy and happy. Chickpeas or Kabuli Chana, as many might refer to it, is a great food that your baby can have. It comes from the legume family and has nutritional elements that can really boost the growth and development of your baby. If you want to opt for chickpeas for a baby, it would be advisable to wait till the baby turns 8 to 10 months.
Another vital thing is that occasionally chickpeas can cause digestion issues and gas troubles in babies, which is why it is always better to take advice from your doctor before introducing chickpeas for your baby. Don’t get worried when you see the flatulence problem in your baby after they consume chickpeas. You also have the option of creating a puree of chickpeas which will make the digestion for your baby a lot easier. Moreover, as the flavor of chickpeas is quite delicate, you can add it to different dishes as well..
In This Article
- What Are Chickpeas?
- What Are The Different Types of Chickpeas?
- Nutritional Value of Chickpeas
- How to Introduce Chickpeas to Babies
- When Can You Introduce Chickpeas to Babies?
- Precautions to Take While Introducing Chickpeas For Babies
- Top 10 Benefits Of Chickpeas For Babies
- Side Effects of Chickpeas For Babies
- 8 Easy Chickpeas Cooking Tips
- FAQ’s
What Are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas are high in nutrition and belong to a legume family, scientifically called Fabaceae. These legumes are rich in protein and can be a healthy option for your babies. They are normally grown in middle East areas and India is one of the largest producers of chickpeas. Chickpeas are also known for their rich fiber, vitamins and minerals and are a go-to base for many Indian recipes.
What Are The Different Types of Chickpeas?
There are two types of chickpeas commonly used in Indian kitchens.
- The Kabuli variety are slightly larger and rounded chickpeas. They are beige in color.
- The Desi variety are smaller in size and dark in color. These are split and used as lentils with the outer layer removed. They look brown and are used in most Indian kitchens.
Nutritional Value of Chickpeas
While chickpeas are rich in protein, they also offer other nutritional benefits for your baby. The below table gives the nutritional value of raw chickpeas per 100 gm.
| Vitamins | |
| Beta carotene | 40 mcg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.477 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.212 mg |
| Nutrition | Amount |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.541 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 1.588 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.535 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 557 mcg |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 4.0 mg |
| Vitamin E ( alpha tocopherol) | 0.82 mg |
| Vitamin K | 9.0 mcg |
| Choline | 99.3 mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca | 57 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.66 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.31 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 79 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 21.306 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 252.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 718.00 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 24.00 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.76 mg |
| Proteins | 20.47 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62.95 g |
| Fiber | 12.20 g |
| Sugars | 10.70 g |
| Fat | 6.040 g |
| Water | 7.68 g |
How to Introduce Chickpeas to Babies
When it comes to feeding chickpeas for babies, you need to boil or cook them completely. You can introduce them by smashing the boiled chickpeas into a smooth paste with no lumps to avoid the risk of choking. You can start with a teaspoon of chickpea mash, ensure that the baby is comfortable with it, and then slowly increase the quantity as the baby grows. For slightly older babies (9-12 MO) who are ready for finger foods, flatten the boiled chickpea so that they will grab it and eat. It is very important to flatten the chickpea before offering it to the baby, because whole chickpeas can be a choking hazard for younger babies. You must monitor your baby constantly when allowing them to eat by themselves.
When Can You Introduce Chickpeas to Babies?
You can start introducing chickpeas to babies once they are 6 months and above. However, chickpeas can be gassy for babies and that’s why it is always better to follow a three-day rule after introducing them to chickpeas for the first time. It will help you understand the side effects of it, and you can wait till your baby is older enough to digest that particular food.
Precautions to Take While Introducing Chickpeas For Babies
Here are some precautions that you may need to follow before introducing chickpeas to babies
- Ensure to cook the chickpeas properly before offering them to the baby.
- Chickpeas are high in protein and can be hard to digest for babies who just entered into their solids phase. So, if feeding chickpeas is not working out for your baby, you can always wait till they turn a year old.
- Always start with properly cooked and well-mashed chickpeas
- Flatten the cooked chickpea before offering it to the babies who are ready to take finger foods.
- Do not add oil or any other spices to enhance the taste.
- Ensure to offer small amounts if you are just introducing chickpeas for your baby.
- Some babies can be allergic to chickpeas, hence it is always better to follow a three- day rule while introducing any food.
- Contact your pediatrician before you decide to introduce foods that may upset your baby’s tummy.
Top 10 Benefits Of Chickpeas For Babies
Chickpeas are counted as an exceptional resource of plant-based protein, copper, folate, magnesium, zinc, iron, fiber, and phosphrus. It also comprises other vital nutrients as well that are required for the growth of your little one.. Chickpeas are relatively cheap and hence counted as highly economical food when compared to other foods. Therefore, chickpeas are very beneficial for babies.
Here are ten advantages of chickpeas for babies.
1. Growth And Development Of The Baby
Chickpeas have a very high protein content. Protein is a necessary component for creating new red blood cells, muscles, hormones, enzymes, and cartilage. A baby needs a high amount of protein to facilitate body growth and development. Chickpeas will help the baby meet this need for protein.
2. Development of The Baby’s Brain
During the younger days, an important part of a baby’s growth happens in the brain. Chickpeas have a substantial amount of polyunsaturated fats, which play a pivotal role in the brain development of a baby. Moreover, it provides the energy your baby needs as well as softens the skin of your baby.
3. Provides Iron For The Baby
Chickpeas are a good source of iron as well, which will help to create red blood cells in the baby’s body. This will play a huge role in preventing anemia in the baby.
4. Strengthens Muscles And Bones of The Baby
Chickpeas have a good amount of calcium, which helps in strengthening the bones and muscles of the baby. Moreover, it can also work as a substitute for milk if your baby is allergic to milk.
5. High Amount of Fibre
Your baby needs a good amount of fiber to ensure the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Without the proper functioning of the digestive system, your baby might face issues such as constipation, stomachache, and indigestion. Chickpeas are a great source of fiber. Also, most of the fiber in chickpeas is insoluble, which is very important for a growing baby.
6. Good Amount of Magnesium Content
Magnesium is one such element which helps the body to absorb vital nutrients like Vitamin B and E. Chickpeas have a high amount of magnesium in them which helps your baby to absorb such vital nutrients.
7. Good For Healthy Heart
Chickpeas are an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which promote a healthy heart in babies now and later in their lives.
8. Good For Regeneration of Cells
Chickpeas have Folate which is a type of vitamin important for DNA recreation. It is a very vital element for your child’s growth and development.
9. Reduces Diabetes Risk
If the father or the mother of the child are diabetic, adding chickpeas to the baby’s diet can help reduce the chances of the baby developing type-1 diabetes or hypoglycemia.
10. Creates A Strong Immune System
Zinc is a vital element that helps in creating a strong immune system in the baby. Chickpeas are a very good source of Zinc, which means they will help your baby to have a strong immune system from the early days.
Side Effects of Chickpeas For Babies
The following are some side effects of consuming chickpeas for babies
1. Gas
Chickpeas have a huge amount of protein content which might result in gas in babies since their digestive system is still immature. That is why it is always advisable to incorporate chickpeas into your baby’s diet in small portions. This will help your baby’s body to get used to chickpeas. If there is a severe stomach problem for your baby, then you should stop giving chickpeas immediately.
2. Allergy
If your baby is allergic to lentils, then he or she will also be allergic to chickpeas. Therefore, it would be good if you test the allergy first and then give it to your child. Allergic reactions can include skin conditions such as rashes, hives, irritation, and redness. The baby may also experience digestive system related issues such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomachache or bloating. Rarely you may see that the baby has developed breathing issues. In such cases, you will need to rush your baby to the hospital.
8 Easy Chickpeas Cooking Tips
Chickpeas are extremely simple to prepare. You can make a smooth puree with softly cooked chickpeas. You can then add it to other vegetable purees if you wish. Some babies love to have chickpea puree mixed with banana and pumpkin puree.
Here are some easy chickpeas cooking tips:
- Always soak dried chickpeas overnight before cooking them. This is a necessary step to reduce the cooking time of these legumes.
- As the shelf life of roasted chickpeas is very less, it would be good to store them uncooked.
- Make sure you rinse chickpeas before cooking.
- To avoid fermentation of the chickpeas, store them in the fridge and always cook the fresh chickpeas.
- 1 cup of uncooked chickpeas will become 2 cups when it is cooked, so be careful about the quantity that you start with.
- Give your baby a small number of chickpeas, say a spoon of the chickpea mash for the first time and increase the amount with time.
- If you want to add lime, or tomato puree or any spices while cooking, add it towards the end in order to avoid the hardening of chickpeas.
- You should not add baking soda while cooking chickpeas as it will add extra sodium, which your baby does not require.
Chickpeas for babies are a good addition to their diet due to their high protein and nutrient content. But some babies may develop digestion or allergy-related issues. When in doubt, you can consult the pediatrician before introducing chickpeas to your baby.
FAQ’s
1. Can Babies Eat Canned Chickpeas?
Canned chickpeas may contain preservatives and hence must be avoided. However, if you have to use them, it is always better to check for ingredients before buying canned chickpeas for your baby. Look for organic brands with minimal salt and preservative contents.
2. Are Chickpeas an Allergen For Babies?
Yes, some babies can be allergic to chickpeas. It is better to check if you have any family history of allergy issues and contact your pediatrician before giving chickpeas to your baby.
3. Are Chickpeas Gassy For Babies?
Yes, because of the high protein content, chickpeas can be hard to digest and can cause gas problems in babies
