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Important feeding milestones for babies and toddlers
As a parent, navigating the journey of feeding your little one can feel both exciting and overwhelming. From the first teaspoon of solids to the messy business of self-feeding, each stage marks an important part of their developmental journey. Remember, every child progresses at their own pace – the key is to be patient, responsive, and make mealtimes a positive experience.
Milestone 1: Introducing solids
At around 4-6 months of age, your baby will be ready to begin their solid food journey. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by the introduction of complementary foods. When starting solids, start small with baby cereals and smooth purees. Observe your baby’s cues – if they seem uninterested, wait a week or two and try again. The key is to let your baby set the pace and not rush into solids before they’re developmentally ready. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are a healthy and convenient choice for parents. Baby’s love their smooth texture and they’re made using only quality fresh fruit and vegetables. They’re completely free of nasties and contain no colourants, preservatives and flavourants, plus they have no added starch or sugar. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree pouches come with a resealable lid, which means you can give feed your baby a little at a time, then seal it and keep it in the fridge for later. The convenient 110ml size means it is easy to pop a pouch of Squish 100% Fruit or Veg Puree in your baby bag (or handbag!) if you’re on the go.
Milestone 2: Adding more texture and tastes
As your baby grows, you can start experimenting with a larger range of foods. Widening their exposure to a variety of tastes and textures is crucial for their nutritional needs and helps develop their palate. You can move beyond smooth purees and try different meals, like this Butternut and Carrot Mash Potato, or this Chicken and Sweet Potato Risotto. You’ll find a range of healthy and nutritious recipes that your little one will enjoy as their tastebuds develop under the Quick + Easy Recipe Tab on our Squish website.
Milestone 3: Tasty finger foods
By around the 8 month mark your child will begin to master the pincer grasp – and that means they’re ready to try finger foods. The pincer grasp means your child can pick things up with their fingers and doesn’t need to use their whole hand. They are also able to bring their hand to their mouth with intent. But one of the easiest clues that your little one is ready for finger food is they will start reaching out and trying to steal food from your plate or out of your hand! Start with softer textures, like gently toasted fingers of bread, lightly steamed veggie sticks or soft fruit – so that they are easy to chew or suck and your little one can move the food around their mouth easily. Little ones love to dip finger food. Make a quick and easy dip savoury dip by stirring Squish 100% Veggie Puree into a little cottage cheese. For a sweet fruity dip add a little Squish 100% Fruit Puree to natural yoghurt. This is also a great way to use up any open Squish pouches you may have in the fridge. Squish has no added sugar, so all the sweetness your baby gets is only natural.
Milestone 4: Self-feeding
By around their first birthday, your toddler will want to start using their own spoon. Things might get messy, but remember, self-feeding promotes independence, fine motor skills and a healthy relationship with food. Embrace it as part of the journey of parenthood! Encourage your little one to sit in a sturdy, age-appropriate highchair or booster seat and, when possible, try eat together as a family. Provide child-sized utensils and let them practice using them. Remember, mastering this skill takes time, so focus on progress, not perfection. Maintain a calm, consistent mealtime routine to help your toddler build healthy habits.