3 Reasons Why Texture Progression Matters

Introducing solid foods to your baby is a crucial developmental milestone and the texture of these foods plays a pivotal role in their journey towards healthy eating habits and participating in the family meal.  Texture progression is important because:

1.      Progression through purees, mashed, chopped, and eventually finger foods allows them to explore and experience different textures, develop oral motor skills and learn how to manipulate food in their mouth.  Also, offering finger foods develops your baby’s fine motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination.

2.      A variety of textures exposes infants to different sensory experiences and fosters their acceptance of a wide range of foods later in life.  Touching, feeling, and eating different food consistencies, also helps prevent picky eating behaviours in the future.

3.      Texture progression is closely linked to the development of oral motor skills, including chewing, swallowing and tongue movement.  Starting with smooth purees allows infants to learn the basics of swallowing, while gradually introducing coarser textures challengers their oral muscles.  As they progress to soft solids and finger foods, infants continue to refine their chewing skills and strengthen the muscles in their jaw which are needed for speech development.

References:

National Health and Medical Research Council (2012) Infant Feeding Guidelines, Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding-solids/solids-drinks/introducing-solids

Schwartz C, Scholtens PA, Lalanne A, Weenen H, Nicklaus S. Development of healthy eating habits early in life. Review of recent evidence and selected guidelines. Appetite. 2011;57(3):796–807.

Adobe Stock – pureed food