Iron-Rich Sweet Potato Lentil Tots

Iron-Rich Sweet Potato Lentil Tots 🥔🧡

Perfect for Starting Solids & BLW

These sweet potato lentil tots are one of my favorite foods to offer when starting solids or doing baby-led weaning. They’re incredibly soft, easy to hold, and gentle enough that little ones can gum them comfortably as early as 7 months. If you’re looking for a nourishing, iron-rich finger food that feels fun but is secretly packed with goodness, these tots check every box.

What makes these tots extra special is how nutrient-dense they are while still being totally baby-friendly. They’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients, sweet potato, red lentils, oat flour, and shredded cheese that come together into soft, flavorful little bites. No complicated steps, no hidden ingredients, just real food that supports growing babies.

Why Iron Is So Important After 6 Months 🩸✨

Around 6 months of age, a baby’s natural iron stores begin to decrease, which means it becomes essential to include iron-rich foods in their diet. Iron plays a critical role in brain development, oxygen transport, energy levels, and overall growth. Without enough iron, little ones can feel more tired and may not get the full nutritional support they need during this rapid stage of development.

Red lentils are one of the best gentle ways to introduce iron when starting solids. They cook quickly, become incredibly soft, and are easy to digest, making them perfect for young babies. When combined with vitamin-rich foods like sweet potato, iron absorption is even better. These sweet potato lentil tots make it simple to offer iron in a form that’s baby-friendly, tummy-friendly, and fun to eat, especially for BLW babies learning to self-feed.

Why These Tots Are Great for Babies 👶✨

• Iron-rich: Red lentils are a fantastic plant-based source of iron, which is especially important after 6 months

• Very soft texture: Perfect for babies who don’t have teeth yet

• Easy to hold: Tot shape encourages self-feeding and fine motor skills

• Gentle on digestion: Simple ingredients that are easy on little tummies

• BLW-friendly: Designed for grasping, gumming, and exploring food

Nutritional Benefits 🌱

These tots are loaded with nutrients that support healthy growth:

• Sweet potato: Rich in vitamin A for immune support, skin health, and vision

• Red lentils: Provide iron, protein, and fiber to support energy and development

• Oat flour: Adds gentle fiber and helps bind everything together

• Cheese: Contributes calcium, fat, and flavor to support brain and bone development

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• Serve warm or at room temperature as a finger food

• Pair with a simple yogurt or avocado mash for dipping and fruit on the side

• Crumble into smaller pieces if preferred

Substitutions✨

• Cheese: You can omit the cheese entirely if preferred. Simply add 2 extra tablespoons of oat flour to help the mixture bind together.

• Oat flour: I don’t recommend swapping the oat flour in this recipe. If needed you can use a little flour.

• Sweet potato: Swap with butternut squash, pumpkin, or carrot purée for a similar texture.

• Red lentils: Red lentils work best for their softness, but yellow lentils can also be used.

What You Need:

Small Pot

Baking Tray 

Parchment Paper

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more iron-rich baby recipes you can check out:

Iron Boosting Banana Beet Apricot Puree

Ground Beef and Potatoes for Baby

Turkey Veggie Tots