The evolution of textures over diversification

Food diversification is an incredible discovery for babies. He marvels at the variety of tastes of different foods, but also at the many possible textures! Little by little, the textures that you offer him, evolve according to his needs and at his pace.

An evolution in 4 stages

1. At the very beginning of food diversification (4-6 months), offer your baby smooth textures, by mixing food to simply allow them to swallow.
2. Around 8 months, you can start offering it lumpy textures. How? 'Or' What ? Prepare mashed or slightly thicker purees. Another tip is to add fine semolina to its purees. Each baby, being different, he will become more or less familiar with these changes and adapt his swallowing to this new consistency.
3. Around 9 months, baby can get acquainted with mashed mash with a fork. And according to its ability to chew and swallow, you can introduce fondant pieces like small well-cooked pasta.
4. A year ! It will be time to offer him the real pieces: small pieces of meat, vegetables but also their grated version, and why not small dice of cheese…

Eating with your fingers, one step closer to autonomy

As soon as your baby starts eating real chunks of food, he instinctively eats with his fingers. This contact with the hands is a real discovery. By the way, did you know that eating with your fingers is a trend generally known as "finger food" which helps develop autonomy in babies? So let him experiment, even if he puts it everywhere (well, not too much anyway!), That's how he will grow and manage on his own! Listen, agree to keep pace with your baby and don't hesitate to go back if necessary.

A little tip to help baby get through ?

Cook the same dish for the whole family, remembering not to salt during the preparation. Serve him an age-appropriate portion, finely chopped or mashed, and show your baby that he is eating the same thing as you. He will be more than delighted and will finally be able to share precious moments at the table with the other members of his family. The friendliness and mimicry will be of great help to awaken your taste curiosity!

Sources :

- Fewtrell, M. Bronsky, J. Campoy, C. « et col. » Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2017

- OMS, Principes directeurs pour l’alimentation complémentaire de l’enfant allaité au sein, 2003

- PNNS : Le guide nutrition des enfants et ados pour tous les parents, Edition 2015