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Steam or lightly sauté pea shoots until very soft and wilted, which should take just 1 to 2 minutes. Serve them in small clumps that your baby can grasp in their palm, or mix the cooked shoots into soft foods like mashed potato or porridge to help with grip. You can also lay several steamed shoots together to create a longer piece that extends out of your baby's fist for easier handling.
Continue to steam or sauté pea shoots until soft, but they can be slightly less wilted than for younger babies as your baby's chewing skills develop. Serve them in small handfuls or mix into finger foods like scrambled eggs, soft pasta, or grain dishes. Your baby may now manage picking up individual cooked shoots, though small clumps remain easier to grasp.
Offer cooked pea shoots as part of family meals, either on their own or mixed into dishes like stir-fries, omelettes, or rice bowls. The shoots should still be soft and well-cooked, though they no longer need to be quite as wilted as for younger babies. Toddlers with confident chewing skills may begin to explore raw pea shoots in small amounts, though supervision remains important.
Pea shoots are an excellent source of iron, which supports healthy brain development and helps prevent iron deficiency anaemia in babies. They also provide plant-based protein to support growth, along with vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. These tender greens offer folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and development.
Pea shoots are not considered a common allergen and legume allergies in general are relatively rare. While peas themselves can occasionally cause allergic reactions, pea shoots are typically well tolerated by most babies.
Always supervise meals. Adjust textures to your baby's stage. Medical questions belong with your health professional. Source: babyledweaningfoods.com/foods/pea-shoots