Introducing Food Textures

Around 6 months of age, babies start to show signs of readiness for solid foods. They need more of certain nutrients, like iron, and they are ready to learn to swallow textures that are not a liquid.

Babies can progress from liquids to pureed and finely minced foods quite quickly and will eventually be eating the food their family is eating, with slight modifications. Children 5 and under are at higher risk for choking so young children should always be supervised during meals and hard or round foods should be avoided or prepared in a safe manner.

Many children are afraid to try new things and pressuring them to try new foods has been shown to be ineffective at helping them develop a positive relationship with food. Help them explore a new food by looking, smelling and touching the food. Involve them in preparing the food if possible–make it fun like arranging pizza toppings or dried fruit into faces or shapes. Offer a new food alongside acceptable foods so the child has a choice about what to eat.

Some children may express sensitivities to certain properties of food, like its colour, temperature or texture in the mouth or on the hands. If a child expresses an aversion to certain foods by refusing them several times, look for patterns of texture like squishiness or creaminess.

Try preparing and offering food in different ways, so rather than whole fruit like berries, grapes or tomatoes that squish in the mouth, cut them into smaller pieces or blend them into a smoothie or soup. If crunchy textures are an issue, offer more cooked fruits and vegetables. If sticky fingers cause food refusal, pre-peel or cut the food and offer it with utensils.

Offer new foods and textures in a gradual approach, building on an acceptable food or format. For example, start offering plain pasta then work up to pasta with butter then pasta with a simple tomato sauce and eventually pasta with a mixed-texture meat and vegetable sauce.

Hypersensitivities can be more common in those with Autism and other forms of neurodivergence. For further support, visit Autism BC or for any families or caregivers, visit HealthLink BC and speak to a Registered Dietitian, Mon-Fri, 9-5 by calling 8-1-1 from anywhere in BC.