A Little Guide to Introducing Solid Pieces into Baby Weaning
The stages of weaning
First things first, let's start with a reminder! The stages of feeding in babies are as follows:
- 0 to 4 months: breast milk or formula
- 4 to 6 months: discovering smooth textures with simple puréed meals, in addition to milk
- 6 to 9 months: introducing flavours with mild spices and aromatic herbs, in addition to milk
- 9 to 12 months: introducing pieces and full-textured meals, in addition to milk
If you'd like to find out more, read our interview with Clémence Mauméné, the founder of Cuisinez pour bébé.
When can baby eat solid pieces?
Introducing solid pieces into baby's diet is the second step towards full meals. There is no exact science to tell you when your baby will be ready to eat solid pieces! Some healthcare professionals say babies can begin introducing solid pieces around 6 months, others say 8 months, while others suggest 10 months.
Every child is different and you will need to follow their pace. Yours may need to start introducing solid pieces around 7 or 8 months. If in doubt, discuss it with your paediatrician or doctor.
Our advice: introduction should take place in a calm, playful manner and when the child is physically ready. Baby will chew and mash foods with their jaws, palate and tongue. It is also essential to observe other signs of readiness in your baby, such as the ability to hold their head upright and to sit with support. In order to eat solid foods, your baby will need to be able to sit in a high chair like the TOBO.
How to introduce solid pieces into baby's diet?
Introducing solid pieces happens gradually. At first, baby gulps down loads of milk, then comes the purée, and finally solid pieces!
To work up to solid pieces, you should first make increasingly lumpy purées, then mash foods with a fork to create larger chunks, and finally leave foods intact. This is a way to gradually make swallowing easier.
For solid pieces, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods:
- Vegetables (asparagus, cooked carrots, broccoli…)
- Fruits (bananas, strawberries, avocados, cooked apples…)
- Meat (smooth, tender meat)
Take it step by step. If your baby isn't ready and doesn't eat what you offer, that's fine. Don't force them to try. The goal is for them to understand the process on their own and to enjoy playing with textures, flavours and the feel of foods.
When baby turns their nose up at certain foods, that's normal and you can try again another time. Eating should not become a source of frustration or an unpleasant moment for them… or for you, new parents!
Baby's weaning equipment
Baby tableware
Remember to use a soft silicone spoon so baby doesn't hurt their teeth or gums.
A good bib and… a healthy dose of letting go
A good bib is always necessary to keep your baby's nice clothes clean. However, let them explore food however they like. Again, eating should be a pleasure. At their age, touch plays a key role. When introducing new foods and new stages in feeding, the goal is for baby to be able to get familiar with the foods they will eat in order to appreciate them as much as possible.
A high chair worthy of your little foodie
A comfortable and safe high chair for your baby's mealtimes is a must! The TOBO high chair is specially designed for enjoyable mealtimes and to accompany your child for a long time. Its adjustable height allows it to adapt to your child's growth, ensuring long-term use.
Its ergonomic design, thanks to the baby set, ensures good postural support, promoting comfortable and safe feeding. Its tray and cosy cushion are perfect for a gentle start. Made from beech wood and featuring an elegant design, the TOBO is not only functional but also beautiful. Thanks to its colour, material and style, it fits in anywhere.
Lots and lots of patience
As we mentioned above, baby will make a mess everywhere when trying new things. This exploration, like so many others, can be invasive and messy. Plan for times when the whole family is in good shape. The weekend at lunchtime is ideal for this food introduction. You'll still have the rest of the day to… clean up, rest and enjoy your baby.
And what about BLW?
Baby-Led Weaning or BLW is the practice of offering a selection of fruit or vegetable pieces that the child can choose to eat or not. BLW is often considered complementary to traditional weaning. According to some healthcare professionals, it is important for baby to receive the necessary nutrients (protein, healthy fats…) to avoid any form of deficiency. The most effective way would be purées!
Parents' frequently asked questions
Does baby need teeth to eat solid pieces?
Not necessarily! Baby's gums, palate and tongue are powerful little machines ready to grind. Start with soft foods and cut them into baby-sized pieces. Before you know it, your toothless little gourmet will be a pro at eating solid pieces!
I'm worried about choking. Any advice?
Follow a few simple rules. Make sure baby is in a good position so they don't choke — head and back straight. Get yourself a good high chair. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces to minimise the risks. Be careful not to cut foods into round shapes. Avoid carrot rounds and uncut grapes, for example. Keep a close eye on baby during meals and encourage them to chew slowly. And remember, a little mess is perfectly normal in this culinary adventure.
What should I do if baby doesn't like what I give them?
Don't worry if baby pulls a face at the first bite. Weaning is like a world culinary tour for baby. Try again and again. Be creative with textures and flavours. And if all else fails, maybe baby is just in "I'm not ready for this" mode today. No worries, try again later.
By gradually introducing solid pieces into your baby's diet and using a suitable high chair, you are contributing to their healthy dietary development and independence. Give them an enriching culinary experience while ensuring their safety and comfort. And don't forget, eating is one of life's greatest pleasures from 0 to 90.
The Charlie Crane team
