Peas for Baby-Led Weaning

Peas are a perfect first food — naturally sweet, soft, and packed with nutrients. They’re also one of my favorite early foods for babies, right up there with broccoli and avocado. Whether you’re pureeing, mashing, or serving them as a finger food, peas are a simple and versatile option for baby-led weaning. They’re one of my favorite early foods for babies 6 months and up!

Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).

Are you looking for a simple and safe way to serve peas to your baby?

Then, you’re in the right place!

Peas are naturally soft (especially when cooked well) and easy to modify depending on your baby’s age and stage. And while they may seem tiny, they can make a surprisingly big mess — so don’t be surprised if your baby ends up wearing more than they eat the first time 😅

Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve peas:

• Smooth pea puree for those early bites, either spoon-fed by you or served on a self-feeding spoon
• Mashed peas mixed with a little breast milk, formula, or even a drizzle of olive oil
• Whole peas gently smashed and offered on a preloaded spoon or tray
• Mixed into pasta, couscous, or quinoa for older babies exploring finger foods

Want to add a little flavor? A touch of fresh mint or a sprinkle of parmesan can make peas even more appealing (for baby and you!).

First time making homemade baby food? Then, I would suggest that you start by reading my very in-depth Complete Guide to Baby-Led Weaning. You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!

Spices to Add

Adding spices to your baby’s foods is a great way to introduce more complex flavors at an early age. In particular, adding a little bit of mint, rosemary, thyme or a squeeze of lemon juice will bring out that fresh taste in peas.

How to Prepare Peas for Baby-Led Weaning

There are several different ways to prepare fresh or frozen peas for your baby. Here are some of our favorite ways:

Sautéed

Heat a tablespoon or butter or oil over medium to high heat. Add about 2 cups of peas. Stir them around, still over medium-high heat, until they’re heated through and tender, about 3-5 minutes.

Steamed

Bring 2 inches of water to boil in a large saucepan with a steamer basket. Add peas to basket and cover and steam until tender, about 2-4 minutes.

Boiled

In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of peas with about ½ cup water. Bring the liquid to a boil with the lid off. Reduce heat, cover, and let your peas simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.

Pea Puree: You can offer purees and still allow your baby to lead the way with self-feeding by offering the puree on a self-feeding spoon, by placing a few spoonfuls of the puree directly on the tray or in a bowl for your baby to dip their fingers into, or you can even use the puree as a dip for solid foods such a banana or piece of toast.

How to Serve Peas for Baby-Led Weaning

Peas can be a choking hazard for your baby, regardless of whether you are doing baby-led weaning starting at 6 months or during the finger foods stage at 9 months, so it is important to cook and serve them properly.

• 6+ months – Mashed or Pureed on Self-Feeding Spoon: Mashed peas have a thicker consistency so will be easy to stick to a self-feeding spoon. Or you can let your baby just dive their hands right in and scoop them up that way.
• 9+ months – Flattened: At 9 months, the pincer grasp is newly developing so flattened peas can give your baby some practice with it. 
• 12+ months – Whole: By 12 months, babies will likely be able to handle eating whole peas, and be able to pick them up with a more developed pincer grasp.