It is important to consider the texture of foods when introducing solid foods to babies. As babies grow and develop, they need to learn how to chew and swallow different textures. Babies can enjoy a range of textures and foods that help support their growth and development.

Smooth foods

Smooth foods can be prepared by cooking foods well, pushing them through a sieve, or blending them with a little breastmilk or infant formula. Smooth foods should have no big lumps, pips, seeds or skin.

Mashed or lumpy foods

Mashed or lumpy foods are raw or cooked foods mashed to a slightly lumpy consistency. Use a fork to mash the food, and add some breast milk or infant formula to make it easier to mash where needed.

Finger foods

Finger foods are small pieces of food that babies can hold and eat by themselves. Start by making finger food slightly bigger than a baby's hand, so that they can grip things in their fist. The size of an adult finger is a good guide.

Below are some pictures that show examples of how to change the texture of foods from each of the five food groups. Click on the below heading to navigate straight to specific food groups.

• Vegetables
• Grains and Cereals
• Protein foods
• Dairy and Alternatives
• Fruits