Easy Hummus for Babies & Toddlers

This hummus recipe is so unbelievably simple that it will make you never want to get store-bought hummus again! Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s a great way to introduce your baby or toddler to chickpeas – a high protein staple for growing toddlers!

There are a couple of reasons why homemade hummus is worth your while:

1. Homemade hummus has less salt than store-bought. Infants less than 1 year old should consume less than 400mg of sodium per day, which is equivalent to less than 1/4 teaspoon of table salt (1). Not only is excessive salt intake dangerous to infants, but it can also train their pallets to desire salt foods which is a precursor to childhood hypertension.
2. Hummus is a great way to introduce protein early on in an infant’s life. Its soft, yet thick texture makes it appropriate for early introduction at around 6 months old (2). You can serve hummus with slices of tortilla, soft vegetables, or slices of cheese.
3. It’s a great way to introduce sesame, which is a common allergen food. Although sesame is not in the “Top 8 Allergens”, it is the 9th most common food allergy in the world. This hummus is made with tahini, a sesame seed butter. Learn more about kid’s food allergies here.
4. Quick recipes like this are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. This is a “dump it all in one blender” kind of recipe. The kind that you can’t possibly mess up – perfect for kiddos to get involved. They can assist in measuring the tahini and spices, squeezing the lemon, or manning the food processor.
5. Dips help kids eat more fruits and vegetables. Hummus is a great example of a tasty dip serving as an avenue for fruit and vegetable intake. Introducing this hummus early in life can lead to the easier introduction of foods like celery, cucumber, and carrots.

References

1. https://solidstarts.com/sodium-and-babies/
2. https://solidstarts.com/foods/chickpea/