Soybeans

For babies 6-9 months, cook soybeans until very soft, then mash or puree them to a smooth consistency. You can mix with breast milk, formula, or other purees to adjust texture. Avoid whole beans to reduce choking risk.

• Cook dried soybeans by boiling for 1-2 hours until tender, or use canned soybeans (rinse well to reduce sodium).
• Mash cooked soybeans with a fork or blend into a puree.
• Mix with avocado or banana for added creaminess.
• Serve on a pre-loaded spoon or as a thick spread on soft toast strips.
• Start with small amounts to monitor for allergies.

For babies 9-12 months, offer cooked soybeans that are flattened or lightly mashed to a lumpy texture. You can also incorporate them into soft foods like patties or mixed dishes to encourage self-feeding.

• Flatten cooked soybeans with a fork to create safer, irregular shapes.
• Mix mashed soybeans with cooked grains like quinoa or rice to form soft balls.
• Add to vegetable mashes or soups for extra protein.
• Offer as finger food in small, manageable portions.
• Continue to ensure beans are fully cooked and soft.

For toddlers 12 months and up, serve whole cooked soybeans if they're soft and your child has good chewing skills. You can also include soy-based foods like tofu or tempeh in age-appropriate forms.

• Test whole soybeans by squishing them between your fingers to ensure they're soft enough.
• Introduce tofu cubes or tempeh strips as finger foods.
• Use soybeans in family meals like stir-fries or salads.
• Monitor for choking and cut foods into safe sizes.
• Encourage self-feeding with utensils as skills develop.