Learn how to serve quinoa for baby-led weaning with our helpful guide. In addition to being a complete protein, quinoa is full of essential nutrients and fiber. It’s perfect for boosting immune function and supporting healthy development in babies and toddlers. Great for 6+ months.
Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Quinoa for BLW
By now, you’ve likely tried or at least heard of quinoa, the hearty little food that is being used for an alternative for everything from rice to granola.
Though technically a seed, quinoa is classified as a whole grain and is an excellent source of fiber, nutrients and protein. In fact, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own.
As wonderful as quinoa is, you might be wondering, how can I serve this to my baby?
I’ve got you!
In this guide, we’ll cover all the information you need in order to serve quinoa for baby-led weaning. Learn about the benefits of quinoa for baby, FAQs, helpful tools and expert feeding tips.
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 – which covers everything you need to know to get started doing baby-led weaning with your little one. And be sure to check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!
Reasons to Love Quinoa for BLW
- Delicious baby food purees – 6+ months
- Great for baby-led weaning – 6+ months
- Also great for the finger food stage – 9+ months
- Full of essential nutrients for baby
- Different ways for baby to eat – spoon-fed or self-feed
- Easy to make – minimal prep work required
Health Benefits of Quinoa for Baby
Quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrients that baby needs for growth and development, making it a great choice to serve to baby.
- It is high in protein and is one of the few plant sources of protein that is considered a plant protein.
- It is an excellent source of carbohydrates to help fuel your baby’s energy throughout the day.
- Quinoa is a good source of fiber to help with healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
- It’s also a good source of iron, especially important for babies as they start solids to help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
- Quinoa is a good source of numerous other important nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese.
Spices to Add
Adding spices to your baby’s foods is a great way to introduce more complex flavors at an early age. Depending on the particular dish you’re making, adding a little bit of cumin, paprika, cinnamon, garlic or curry powder can really enhance the flavor of quinoa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Babies can be introduced to quinoa as soon as they start eating solid foods, typically around 6 months of age.
No, quinoa is not typically a choking hazard. Make sure to fluff and separate any bigger chunks of quinoa that might have gotten stuck together during cooking, before serving to baby.
Allergies to quinoa are rare. As with any food, start with a small portion and be aware of any signs that might be an allergic reaction after introducing it.
No, in fact, quinoa will likely help alleviate constipation due to its fiber content.
How to Prepare Quinoa for Baby-Led Weaning
To make, place 1 cup of quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water. Add the quinoa to a medium pot and 2 cups of water. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Quinoa 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.
Helpful Tools
Here are some products that help you make and serve quinoa to your baby even easier! To find even more products that I love, make sure to check out my online shop.
How to Serve Quinoa for Baby-Led Weaning
Any food 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 quinoa properly.
- 6+ months: Serve quinoa mixed into other foods that your baby can easily scoop up, like yogurt, mashed avocado, or oatmeal. You can also offer baby quinoa puree on a self-feeding spoon.
- 9+ months: Once your baby gets closer to 9 months, you can squish warm quinoa into patties or rolls which will help your baby work on their pincer grasp. You can continue to offer quinoa on a pre-loaded spoon when mixed with mashed foods. Or serve quinoa mixed into burger patties, veggie patties, or baked goods that will help hold the seeds together, making it easier to pick up.
- 12+ months: In addition to continuing to serve quinoa as mentioned above, your baby will likely start to gain more control with using a spoon to self-feed quinoa. You can continue to mix it with a scoopable food, or mix it with a sauce, a little bit of olive oil, or rice and beans to help it stick to the spoon a little easier.
Foods to Pair with Quinoa
Since quinoa is a complete protein, it does “hold up” pretty well on its own nutritionally. However, its light and fluffy texture, in addition to its slightly nutty flavor pairs well with just about anything for a well-rounded meal. Here’s a few of our favorite ideas:
- Added to meatballs and lentil burgers
- Mixed in with mashed avocado
- Added to soups and stews as a thickener
- Mixed into yogurt, cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- In baked goods, such as muffins, breads, or granola
Storage
Transfer quinoa to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
More Quinoa Recipes
Strawberry Quinoa Cereal for Baby
A warm and filling breakfast for baby and toddler made with healthy quinoa, chopped strawberries and a pinch of cinnamon and vanilla. Can be served whole or blended into a chunky or smooth puree.
Get the recipe
Baby-Led Weaning Feeding Tips
- Rinse your quinoa first to get rid of its natural coating, called saponins, which can make the cooked grain taste bitter.
- You can use a low-sodium veggie broth, chicken broth, or milk to cook quinoa instead of water. Once cooked, try stirring in a little olive oil, butter, ghee or spices to boost the healthy fat content and flavor.
- Cooked and pureed quinoa can be offered as a Stage 1 baby food. It’s similar in texture to oatmeal or cream of wheat.
- 1 cup dry quiona
- 2 cups water
- Mix-Ins, such as 2 tbsp ripe avocado, yogurt, ricotta, or cooked oatmeal
Spices: Adding spices to your baby’s foods is a great way to introduce more complex flavors at an early age. Depending on the particular dish you’re making, adding a little bit of cumin, paprika, cinnamon, garlic or curry powder can really enhance the flavor of quinoa.