Introducing lumpy foods to your baby

One of the questions I’m most commonly asked by mums is how to get babies to eat lumpy food. ‘Second stage’ weaning – when you introduce foods with texture – opens up a new world of nutritious meals. It also helps development, because the muscles used for chewing are the same as for speech. It’s surprising what a few teeth and strong gums can get through, so don’t be put off if your baby doesn’t want to chew at first.

Vary textures by giving mashed food (such as potato, carrot and broccoli with a little butter and cheese), grated (try apple) and flaked (such as white fish, but take care to remove bones). You can also offer soft fruit and steamed vegetables as finger foods.

Couscous is a form of grain made from wheat that has a soft texture, so it’s good for making the transition from purées to more lumpy food and is really quick to prepare. Mix it with diced vegetables such as sautéed onion, courgette and tomato.

For recipe ideas introducing lumps, check out Quick rice pudding and Carrot and tomato purée with pasta stars, in our recipes section.