From Mash to Chunky
What you need
- a short spoon
- mashed potato with some soft pieces mixed in
How to do it
- Once smooth food is going well, mix a few soft, small pieces into it.
- Let them scoop. The pieces take a bit more steering to keep on the spoon.
- If it's too frustrating, go back to smooth for a while.
- Move on a little at a time, following how they're doing.
Why it matters
Moving from smooth to slightly lumpy food gives the spoon a new challenge at the pace they're ready for, rather than jumping to food that rolls straight off.
What they're learning
- Scooping
- Food with pieces in it needs more control to keep on the spoon.
- Keeping it level
- Lumpy food shows up an unsteady spoon straight away, which is useful practice.
- Trying new textures
- Moving on gradually helps them accept a wider range of food.
What to look for
Watch for them tilting the spoon to stop pieces rolling off.
A tip
Keep the pieces soft and small. If you're ever worried about their eating or their growth, your health visitor is the person to talk to. Messiness and the odd refusal aren't reasons on their own.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: keep it smooth with just one or two soft pieces
Harder: try a thicker stew once lumpy mash is fine
More like this
Browse
Everyday helper activities · Activities for 18 month olds · Toddler activities with a spoon