Hummus, also pronounced as Houmous or Homos, is a super healthy and delicious snack that can be used in many ways like a dip or as a spread to feed the babies and satisfy their hunger. It is a blend of boiled and mashed chickpeas, vegetable oil garlic lemon juice, tahini, and various other seasonings as per your baby’s taste. The best part of feeding hummus to babies is that it poses minimal to zero risk of choking to babies. Additionally, it is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B 6, potassium, iron, and vitamin E for babies.
It is an ancient food that is popular globally but most of its consumption comes from the Middle East. This is very easy to prepare at home or you can easily buy it from the market available in various brand names. Opting for organic brands or preparing at home is the best when feeding hummus to your munchkin. As it is soft, the mother can introduce this food to babies at an early age of 6 to 8 months. Since your baby’s digestive system is still developing at this age, hummus is easy to eat and digest for babies
In This Article
- Is Hummus Safe For Babies?
- When to Introduce Hummus to Your Baby’s Diet?
- Nutritional Value of Hummus
- Amazing Top 5 Health Benefits of Hummus For Babies
- Can Babies be Allergic to Hummus?
- Precautions to Take While Feeding Hummus to Babies
- Homemade Hummus Recipe For Babies
- FAQ’s
Is Hummus Safe For Babies?
Hummus is completely safe for babies and has a high nutritional value. The ingredients are very basic and easily available at home. Every ingredient has its nutritional value – chickpeas are high in fiber, lemon is a great source of vitamin C and garlic is a great antioxidant. In a nutshell, they have plenty of minerals, vitamins, and potassium.
Introducing food to babies is an exciting period for the baby as well as the mother. It is great fun to watch your baby enjoying the meal you prepare with love for them. But, cooking for your baby involves great research and requires a lot of patience. The biggest dilemma is which food is nutritious, and which can cause allergic reactions in babies.
The bland hummus never creates a problem but make sure your baby is not allergic to any of its ingredients. If any kind of inflammation or skin rash is seen on your baby’s skin, stop feeding hummus and consult your pediatrician.
When to Introduce Hummus to Your Baby’s Diet?
To begin with, the solids are introduced to your baby after 6 months of age. As the baby’s digestive system is still developing, introducing hummus puree works best for your baby.
As the baby turns around 6 to 8 months, hummus works as a great and super healthy supplement rich in vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Value of Hummus
Hummus is an excellent source of energy and carbs for babies. It is also a very good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. It is also rich in proteins due to the use of chickpeas as the main ingredient in the preparation. Based on ResearchGate, Here is a table of the rough values of nutrition present in 100 gm of chickpeas.
| Nutrients | Value |
| Energy | 166 kcal |
| Carbs | 14.29 gm |
| Fat | 9.6 gm |
| Protein | 7.9 gm |
| Fiber | 6 gm |
| Phosphorus | 176 mg |
| Calcium | 38 mg |
| Potassium | 379 mg |
| Selenium | 2.6 microgms |
| Iron | 2.44 mg |
It is also a big source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory objectives. A complete meal for the growth and development of the baby. It aids best to relieve constipation. Both homemade and readymade hummus is good for the baby’s health.
[Read : Constipation In Babies]
Amazing Top 5 Health Benefits of Hummus For Babies
Hummus is a tasty and healthy snack option for babies, especially for those who have started finger foods. It can act as a snack on its own and even as a dip for finger foods. It has many health benefits for your munchkin too.
1. Satiating Snack
Hummus is high in protein and fiber, both of which keep your baby fuller for longer and help maintain high energy levels. This comes in especially handy when your baby is going through growth spurts and needs an increased intake or is generally craving snacks.
2. Prevents Anemia
Hummus is an excellent source of iron and folate, both of which improve the iron levels in the blood, maintain RBC levels, and prevent the occurrence of anemia. Anemia is a common problem in infancy and foods like hummus prevent this risk in babies.
3. Maintains Hydration
Hummus is a rich source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Minerals play a vital role in various body functions and ensure proper fluid supply to all the parts of the body.
[Read : Calcium For Babies]
4. Maintains Bone and Muscle Strength
This dish is rich in calcium and potassium and phosphorus, all of which contribute to your baby’s bone and muscle strength. Growing babies need support for proper growth and development and minerals ensure this.
5. Promotes Digestion
Hummus is high in dietary fiber which will help promote proper digestion and prevents constipation in babies. It also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Can Babies be Allergic to Hummus?
Hummus can be a healthy snack or a dip for your baby but remember that all the ingredients may cause potential side effects by acting as allergens.
Chickpeas are known allergens and have the potential to cause severe allergic reactions in babies. Tahini or sesame paste, another well-known ingredient, can also cause potential allergies and side effects.
Additionally, store-bought hummus can also be high in salt content which is not recommended for babies less than one year of age.
Some of the potential side effects of hummus for babies include
- Skin conditions like itching, rashes, hives, redness, and irritation.
- Breathing-related issues such as breathlessness and asthma
- Digestion-related conditions such as indigestion and diarrhea
- In serious conditions, anaphylaxis can occur and needs immediate medical attention
Precautions to Take While Feeding Hummus to Babies
Every new food must be introduced with caution and care to babies. You must remember that babies have an immature digestive system. Also, food allergies can be relatively easily identified if you properly observe your baby.
Here are some precautions to be taken while feeding hummus to your baby
- Start by feeding very small quantities of hummus to your baby. Once your baby is able to tolerate it, you can slowly increase their intake.
- Store-bought hummus may be high in salt and preservatives and must be avoided for babies.
- You can always opt for organic store-bought hummus that is low in sodium.
- Homemade hummus is the best option for your munchkin.
- Make use of the three day rule t check if your baby is allergic to hummus.
- Stop giving hummus to your baby and check with the pediatrician if your baby is showing allergic reactions after eating this food.
- Do not feed hummus if your baby is allergic to chickpeas or sesame seeds.
[Read : The 3-Day Wait Rule For Babies To Introduce Solids]
Homemade Hummus Recipe For Babies
It is always preferable to introduce homemade food to your baby’s diet rather than market-made products. Since your baby is very delicate and sensitive and everything outside is new and challenging for the baby.
If you are interested in preparing your baby’s food at home, then this recipe may work as a magic food for your baby’s health. You will need boiled and cooked chickpeas, some tahini paste, garlic cloves, and oregano, lemon juice, and very little salt (optional) for seasoning.
To prepare hummus, combine all the ingredients in a blender jar. Mix and blend to form a smooth paste. Add little water and blend it once more until you get a perfect flowing consistency. Sprinkle some oregano and paprika for flavors.
Being a fun snack and a healthy diet supplement for your baby, hummus for babies is an excellent option. Although it is a superfood, you will need to be mindful of allergic reactions to this food. Consult a pediatrician in case of doubt or if you or your spouse have a family history of allergies to chickpeas or sesame seeds.
FAQ’s
1. Does Hummus Make Baby Gassy?
Yes, hummus may make the baby gassy at times due to the presence of chickpeas. Many legumes tend to make a baby’s stomach upset due to their high fiber content. Remember that your baby’s digestive system is immature and still evolving. It may take a few more months to completely develop and to be able to efficiently digest all foods.
2. Is Hummus a Common Allergy For Babies?
Yes, hummus is a common allergen for babies. Hummus contains chickpeas and sesame seeds, both of which are common allergens. So there is a high chance that your baby may develop allergic reactions after eating hummus
3. Is Hummus Too Salty For Babies?
Yes, store-bought hummus can sometimes be too salty for babies. You may avoid salt if you prepare it at home since you have control over how much of what goes into this yummy snack/spread. Babies under a year of age need very minimal salt and excess salt intake can put pressure on their kidneys.
Read Also: Chickpeas For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits And Side Effects
