A texture adventure - avoid feeding problems later on.
Exposure to a variety of textures at an early age can help prevent feeding problems as your little one gets older.
The progression is essential for both development and nutrition. A variety of flavours and textures helps with the development of important sensory and oral motor stages.
There are 3 stages of weaning progression based on texture:
| Stage 1 | Smooth puree consistency. Consistency can range from extremely thin (breast/ formula milk) to extremely thick (liquidised foods) | Around 4 – 6 months |
| Stage 2 | Soft chunks and mashed foods. Shredded proteins (chicken, meat, fish) | Around 7 months |
| Stage 3 | Lumpy foods, slightly mashed cooked veg, roughly shredded proteins, finger foods | 10 + months |
Tips for progressing from stage 1 to stage 2
Most babies are ready transition from stage 1 to stage 2 at 7 months. You can start by gradually adding soft chunks or mashed vegetables to a pureed meal. This helps your little one familiarise themselves with the sensation of soft clumps.
It may take a few tries for your baby to accept the new texture. Know that some gagging on new textures is normal, it is a safety mechanism occurring when babies get used to a new oral sensation. It is also normal for your baby to spit out a new food after gagging. You should continue to offer new foods and textures and eventually your baby will get used the change.
Tips for progressing from stage 2 to stage 3
Most babies are ready to transition from stage 2 to stage 3 at about 10 months. At this stage your baby will use their gums, mouth, jaw and tongue to manipulate food.
This stage works on the development of oral motor skills. You can start by slowly introducing food chunks to meals. Softly cooked vegetables such as broccoli, butternut can be mixed into meals.
At this point babies usually start teething and will chew on things to relieve the discomfort. Allow your baby to grab smalls pieces of food to try and feed themselves. Your baby should manage well with cooked pasta, scrambled eggs and roughly shredded proteins.
NB! Avoid small and hard food objects that could be a choking risk (such as whole grapes, apples hard dried foods, whole nuts etc.)
Check out our collections page on our website to find the appropriate meal for your baby.