The topic of feeding is frequently discussed here, and today's post will be no exception. This time, it's not exactly about food itself, but rather the act of eating—chewing and biting.
We know that babies spend the first few months being fed exclusively with breast milk and/or infant formula. From the moment food diversification begins, "solid" foods become the main focus, bringing with them a new and immense variety of flavors and textures.
We've already discussed here that many processes are interconnected in development and growth. After a few months, the baby begins to be able to accept new foods in addition to milk. The discovery of new flavors and textures will be the next step that will revolutionize the little one's life.
A crucial step in a baby's development is chewing. This action is the result of a learning process, starting around four months of age, and is refined until one year of age. Our research shows that babies in their first months of life are not yet able to chew, as they instinctively push away any solid food. From the 4th/5th month onwards, the little one begins to take new steps, and this learning process should be approached with care and calmness.
The first actions babies will take will be sucking, nibbling, or holding a piece of food in their mouth, providing new sensations that the baby will be excited to experience. With the appearance of the first teeth and their psychomotor development, it will be possible for the little one to chew. According to what we read, the baby will already have refined skills, and the muscles of the cheeks, lips, and pharynx will become increasingly stronger. The baby will already be able to break down food in their mouth—amazing!
Regarding the topic of chewing, there's something inherent that we can't ignore—the emergence of personal tastes that shape and build their "self." With the improvement of their chewing technique and the lengthening and formation of their jaw, they will soon be able to eat in small pieces. It's a whole learning process that, if we pay close attention, in the blink of an eye, our little one will already know how to pick up a spoon or their own bottle. Parents will have the role of supporting them at each step, until they achieve food independence.
After this phase of all the learning and new sensations, between 4 and 12 months, it's necessary to continue stimulating them, but in a balanced and healthy way. Each stage and each indecision the little one has should be taken into account, as it's an unknown world that needs to mature, without ever forcing anything.
Therefore, we wanted to know if there were any indicators to consider, so that parents could have some idea. Here are some tips we found in our research:
- Between 4 and 6 months — we can start by introducing simple foods with a smoother texture, perhaps somewhat similar to milk, so that the first steps of change are not a shock;
- Between 7 and 8 months — we can gradually move from vegetable and fruit purees to mashed foods, which have a bit more texture;
- From 9 months onwards — we can take a look at softer foods in small pieces (e.g., cubes of well-cooked potato, rice, or cooked vegetables, among others). It is important that meat and fish continue to be mashed, as they still have a more fibrous texture and are difficult to chew;
- From 12 months onwards — pieces of food with a more or less thick and crunchy texture. Parents can mash the food, offer small slices of cooked vegetables or pieces of peeled tomato. However, our little ones are not yet adults, so we shouldn't force them to eat certain foods (e.g., foods rich in protein, among others).
We've already realized that parents play an important role, but what about the baby? We want to understand their role, beyond discovering a new flavor or texture every day. The baby will have something to say throughout this process. Therefore, we tried to understand some tips to help the little one identify different textures:
- We can occasionally let babies touch the foods they are trying, so they can develop their senses;
- If the baby doesn't like the sensation and taste of a particular food, there will always be another day to try again, and they might accept it;
- Part of the food can be given as a puree and the other part mashed or in small pieces—allowing for a variety of textures.
If our little one refuses to try a new food, we shouldn't force them. The whole process of introducing food is complicated and takes time. Mealtimes shouldn't be a struggle; we want our little one to have peace and space to perceive each texture and flavor of the foods they are trying.
With today's post, we understand that chewing is motivated by the introduction of solid foods and that it's a process with its phases. Comfort and tranquility are essential for discovering a new world of food.
What about you? How was the process of introducing solid foods? And chewing, was it a natural action that took time to develop? What types of foods did you start by introducing? Any tips you'd like to share about this process? We want to know your experiences. We want to know your opinion.
