Texture Progression
ReadyStepGrow Baby Prems Program (Henry in focus pictured)
Alternative Food Texture Progression: A Gentle Approach for Premmies
Introducing solid foods to babies is an exciting milestone, but for babies born prematurely, the transition between textures can sometimes be more challenging. While some families opt for baby-led weaning, others prefer a gradual shift from smooth purees to finger foods. Whatever approach is chosen, understanding how oral skills develop can help make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Why Texture Progression Matters
Babies born prematurely may have difficulty moving from one texture to the next. This can be due to sensory sensitivities, developmental delays, or past negative experiences with food. If a texture is too challenging, it can lead to gagging or even refusal to eat altogether.
Traditionally, the transition moves from soft mashed foods (like mashed banana) to mixed textures (like pasta with vegetable sauce). However, this progression may not align well with how babies naturally develop their oral motor skills. Some babies struggle with mixed textures and need a more structured, step-by-step approach to learning how to manage different consistencies.
An Alternative Food Texture Progression
A more logical approach to food texture progression follows the way babies actually develop their eating skills. Instead of jumping to mixed textures early on, this method introduces hard munchables, meltable solids, soft cubes, and soft mechanical foods first, allowing babies to build the necessary tongue and chewing movements before facing more complex textures.
Here’s a breakdown of this alternative food texture progression:
6-8 Months (Corrected Age)
First tastes and purees: Start with thin, runny purees and gradually thicken over time.
Preparation for finger foods: Encourage mouthing of fingers and stick-shaped teething toys (e.g., toothbrush trainer, gum massager).
8-9 Months(Corrected Age)
Soft mashed table foods: Thicker, coarser purees of a single consistency (e.g., fork-mashed banana, fork-mashed sweet potato).
Hard munchables: These are not meant for eating but help with oral exploration and desensitising the gag reflex. Examples include raw carrot sticks, celery sticks, teething rusks, or strips of frozen rockmelon. Always supervise closely.
Meltable hard solids (9-9.5 months corrected age): Foods that quickly disintegrate in the mouth, helping babies learn to move food to their molars (e.g., Baby Mum Mum crackers, Potato Stix, baby puffs, meringues).
10 Months (Corrected Age)
Soft cubes: These foods break apart with minimal chewing (e.g., avocado, steamed pumpkin, kiwi, steamed potato cubes, banana, ripe pear). Placing them between the side gums can encourage early chewing movements.
11 Months (Corrected Age)
Soft mechanical (single texture): Foods that hold their shape but break apart easily in the mouth, supporting the development of bite-and-pull actions (e.g., softly cooked pasta, pancakes, tender casserole meat, scrambled eggs, steamed carrot sticks, steamed broccoli, cauliflower).
12 Months (Corrected Age)
Mixed textures: These can be more challenging due to varied consistencies (e.g., pasta with vegetable sauce, lamb and rice pilaf, beef and vegetable casserole, ham frittata).
13-14 Months (Corrected Age)
Soft table foods: Similar to what the family eats but adjusted in size and texture to be baby-friendly.
16-18 Months (Corrected Age)
Hard mechanical foods: These require well-developed chewing skills and include slices of raw carrot, diced celery, and apple pieces.
Supporting Your Prem’s Feeding Journey
This alternative food texture progression is designed to support premmies by gradually strengthening their oral skills and ensuring mealtime is a positive experience. Every baby is unique, and progression may vary, so it’s important to follow their lead and adjust accordingly.
For personalised guidance on supporting your baby’s feeding journey, consider reaching out to ReadyStepGrow—we’re here to help! 🌱✨
