Introducing lumps

It is not a good idea to continue giving only smooth purees for too long or your baby may become lazy about chewing. Also chewing on food helps to develop the same muscles your baby needs for speech.

As teeth begin to emerge you can introduce slightly thicker purees and some mashed, grated or chopped food.

Another way to introduce texture is to prepare a fairly smooth puree and then add some tiny cooked pasta shapes.

Once your baby is able to hold food and feed himself, introduce some soft finger foods like steamed vegetables, fresh fruit or strips of cheese on toast.