Transitioning from Purees to Solids from WeeliciousPin

1. Change texture, not flavor. When you’re cooking a meal for your family, make a little extra for baby . . . minus the spices and condiments. This way you are changing the texture—but not the taste—of the fresh flavors your baby is used to eating.

2. Invest in a pair of kitchen shears. They’re much quicker than a fork and knife for cutting things like fruit and pasta into tiny toddler-size bites.

3. Be careful with leftovers. Fresh is best_ foods that sit in the refrigerator for more than three days start to lose their nutritional value.

4. Save the best for last. At mealtime, introduce new foods (or foods your baby doesn’t usually prefer) first, so baby doesn’t fill up on old favorites before trying healthy new fruits, veggies, and proteins.

5. Get them involved. Toddler utensils like these Bambu forks and spoons will allow your baby to feel like he’s part of the process—even if he’s not quite ready to eat with them yet.

6. Lead by example. If you eat the same foods as your baby, at the same time, she’ll be more likely to give the foods a whirl. You don’t need to be overly theatrical about the yummyness, either_ kids naturally emulate their parents.

7. Be mindful of teething. If your little one is pushing away the bite-sized meal in front of him, it may be because his gums are hurting. Try offering a cool puree instead.

8. Have patience. Your baby won’t love everything the first time she tries it. You probably don’t love every type of food either, so try not to get frustrated. Have fun helping your baby discover her own palate.

9. Don’t overwhelm your baby with too much food. Space out a few bites at a time on the tray, then replenish as necessary.

10. When all else fails, make popsicles. You may not like the sound of a spinach puree pop, but your kids . . . they’re a different story. You can freeze just about any puree in a popsicle mold to make ice pops!

This article originally appeared on one of my favorite websites, Stroller Traffic, in 2009.

About the Author

Catherine is a mama of three. A Kentucky girl living in California. Here’s what I know: all kids can be great eaters and mealtime must be easy. I create simple, healthy recipes the whole family will love.

Comments

  1. […] Babies typically begin their transition to solid foods around age six months, but it can be a balancing act to find what is nutritious and what they are willing to try. In this guest post, Parents contributing editor Catherine McCord shares her favorite tips to help Baby transition from purees to solid foods. This post originally appeared on weelicious.com.  […]

  2. Please add me to your mailing list! I need ideas for adding more balanced healthy finger foods or meals.. any that I can make in bulk and freeze would be great too! Thanks!

  3. How much food should a 1 year old be eating? Protein, veggies, carbs, fruit, etc…I know their tummies are smaller, but my daughter would eat until she makes herself sick sometimes!

  4. to comment to be added onto the mainilg list so yeah Thing is, I thought I’ve signed up during the club day thingy, so I’m not sure if I’m already added By the way, is there a due date to sign up? Oh! and I think one of my friend is interested too .not sure if she’s signed up or not though

  5. Please add me to the mailing list. I have 15 month old twins who are 13.5 months adjusted but my husband is on me about getting off the jars. I want to but I am so challenged by what to make. One will eat just about anything the other gags and throws it all up 🙁 thanks a lot!

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  7. It is totally normal! Kids have a wide range of reactions when first learning to eat solids and being introduced to new flavors and textures. Your idea of chopping the meat very small and mixing it with veggies is a great idea! It may take him some time to get used to the new foods, but just keep trying and make sure to supervise!

  8. I see that this is from 2009, but I just found it now and love the suggestions! I’m going to have to go get a popsicle mold:) Do you have any suggestions for introducing meat that is not blasted up? Up until now, my little guy has been eating pureed meat in his veggies and hasn’t batted an eye. However, even little pieces of chicken get spit right back out. I’m assuming that this is normal with the different texture etc. Is it a good idea to chop the meat very small and feed it in with his steamed veggies?
    Thanks for all the wonderful information you share:)

  9. Loved the suggestion for making purees into popsicles! My tiddler has been refusing purees for months and picking veggies out of his meals. We tried a banana pumpkin puree popsicle tonight and he sucked it all down. I’m trying your apple walnut puree in popsicle form next!

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