Split peas are a good source of protein and iron as well as fibre, and they are easy to cook, which is always a bonus. When giving split peas to a baby I welcome the lumps and clumps because it’s a great way to present different textures. Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t have teeth, they can easily mash it in between their gums. Our little guy loved split peas.
Warning – giving this to your baby will provide you with quite a mess to deal with afterwards.
When cool split peas really tend to clump together which is perfect for those little fingers to be able to bring it up to their mouths. You can offer your baby a spoon but let them use the spoon however they choose and definitely don’t spoon-feed them. Have them put the spoon up and into their mouths all by themselves. It’s very common that your baby will see the rest of the family eating from a spoon and request to use one too. Let them. You might find that they hold the spoon in one hand and use the other to scoop the food into their mouths. That is also fine. It’s all part of the learning process and letting them be involved.
For a split pea soup recipe click here
Need more ideas of how to feed your baby? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future’s Registered Dietitian at [email protected]