A little guide to introducing lumps in baby weaning
The stages of weaning
First things first, let's start with a quick reminder! The stages of feeding in babies are as follows:
- 0 to 4 months: breast milk or formula milk
- 4 to 6 months: discovering smooth textures with simple puréed meals, in addition to milk
- 6 to 9 months: introducing flavours with small spices and aromatic herbs, in addition to milk
- 9 to 12 months: introducing lumps and meals with full textures, 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 babies eat lumps?
Introducing lumps into your baby's diet is the second stage on the way to full meals. There is no exact science to tell you when your baby will be ready to eat lumps! Some healthcare professionals say that babies can begin the introduction of lumps around 6 months, others say 8 months, while others suggest 10 months.
Every child is different and you will need to follow their own pace. Yours may need to start introducing lumps of food around 7 or 8 months. If in doubt, discuss it with your paediatrician or doctor.
Our advice: introduction should take place calmly, in a playful way and when the child is physically ready. Your baby will chew and mash food with their jaw, 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 be able to eat solid foods, your baby will need to be able to sit in a high chair such as the TOBO.
How to introduce lumps into your baby's diet?
The introduction of lumps happens gradually. At first, your baby guzzles tonnes of milk, then comes the purée and finally the lumps!
To get to lumps, you will first need to make increasingly grainy purées, then mash foods with a fork to create larger pieces, and then leave foods intact. This is a way of gradually making swallowing easier.
For lumps, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods:
- Vegetables (asparagus, cooked carrots, broccoli…)
- Fruits (bananas, strawberries, avocados, cooked apples…)
- Meat (smooth, not too sinewy meat)
Take it step by step. If your baby is not ready, if they don't eat what you offer them, that's fine. Don't force them to try. The aim is for them to understand how it works on their own and to enjoy playing with the textures, flavours and feel of foods.
When your 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!
Equipment for your baby's weaning journey
Baby tableware
Remember to use a soft silicone spoon so that your baby doesn't hurt their teeth or gums.
A good bib and… a good dose of letting go
A good bib is always necessary to keep their lovely clothes clean. However, let them explore foods as they please. Once again, eating should be a pleasure. At their age, touch plays a key role. When introducing new foods and new stages in their diet, the aim is for your baby to get to grips with the foods they will eat so that they can enjoy them to the fullest.
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, your baby will make a mess everywhere when trying new things. This exploration, like so many others, is likely to be messy and chaotic. 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 baby-led weaning?
Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) involves offering a selection of pieces of fruit or vegetables 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 that babies receive the necessary nutrients (protein, healthy fats…) to avoid any form of deficiency. The most effective way to do this is with purées!
Parents' frequently asked questions
Does my baby need teeth to eat lumps?
Not necessarily! Your 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 little toothless gourmet will be a pro at eating lumps!
I'm worried about choking and my baby going down the wrong way. Any advice?
Follow a few simple rules. Adopt a good position so that your baby doesn't choke; head and back straight. Arm yourself with a good high chair. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces to minimise risks. Be careful not to cut foods into round shapes. Avoid carrot rounds and uncut grapes, for example. Keep a watchful eye on your baby during mealtimes and encourage them to chew gently. And remember, it's perfectly normal to make a bit of a mess on this culinary adventure.
What should I do if my baby doesn't like what I give them?
Don't worry if your baby pulls a face at the first bite. Weaning is like a world culinary tour for your baby. Try again and again. Be creative with textures and flavours. And if all else fails, perhaps your baby is just in "I'm not ready for this" mode today. No worries, try again later.
By gradually introducing lumps into your baby's diet and using a suitable high chair, you are contributing to their healthy food development and independence. Offer 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
