HELP! My Baby Is Stuck on Purees: How to Move Forward with Solids

It's the age old debate of whether or not you should introduce your baby to purees to start. At Infant Insights, we educate on introducing whole foods into your baby's diet from day one, but often times families are not as comfortable with that in the beginning compared to offering purees. With that being said, it’s not uncommon to feel stuck in the puree phase. Maybe your baby gags at anything textured, turns away from finger foods, or flat-out refuses anything that isn’t smooth and familiar. If that sounds like your situation, you’re not alone, but I am here to help usher you forward. 

To start: eating solids isn’t just about getting food down the hatch. It’s a motor, sensory, and social task that takes time and practice. It’s okay if your baby isn’t gobbling up avocado slices yet. The goal right now is exposure, exploration, and progress, not perfection. 

First, We Need to Understand the Sensory Shift

Purees are predictable... smooth, consistent, and easy to control. They are also often fed by a caregiver with a spoon. But, solid foods? Not so much. Solid, whole foods bring new smells, textures, and temperatures, which can feel overwhelming to a baby who’s still making sense of the world through their senses.

NOTE: Gagging is completely normal. If your baby gags during feeding, don't be alarmed. In the beginning and as your baby explores new foods, this is a normal phase of feeding development.

To support the sensory shift: Bridging that texture gap by offering thick purees or purees with added texture. Think pureed banana with crushed crackers, or blended sweet potato stirred with couscous. These “in-between” foods introduce new sensations in a less intimidating way for our little ones. 

The Next Step is to Let Baby Take the Lead

I know spoon feeding is faster and often times, as parents, a method we feed a lot more comfortable with. But, around the 8 months mark, it may be time to take a step back and hand over some control so your baby can develop the chewing skills. Letting your baby lead during mealtime can build confidence and interest in solids for your baby AND YOU.

• Pre-load spoons with soft foods like oatmeal or mashed avocado and let your baby bring it to their mouth. It's okay if they are a little inconsistent or not precise. Practice makes perfect!

• Try using a teether as a spoon — place a thicker puree, puree with a varied texture, or mashed food onto the teether and hand it over. The familiar shape makes it more approachable and you'll be surprised how motivated your baby is to bring to their mouth.

• Offer small piles of mashed foods (like hand held-sized such as steamed sweet potatoes or matchstick carrots) that your baby can explore with their hands.

• Remember, hands are tools, too. Getting messy is part of the learning process! AND MESSY PLAY IS GREAT in allowing your child to be more accepting of the foods. 😊 

Lastly, Never Rush or Force It

Babies pick up on pressure quickly. If they sense you’re stressed or trying to “make” them eat something, they’ll likely resist even more. Mealtimes should feel safe and low-pressure.

• Always follow your baby’s cues — if they turn away or close their mouth, respect it. This may mean your baby is done with the meal and that's okay! We are not counting bites, because breastmilk or formula remains the main nutrient source for your baby until age 1.

• Stay consistent with exposure — offering a variety of textures often is key, even if it’s just a lick or a squish at first. Studies show it can take up to 10+ times of exposure before your baby even TOUCHES the food. 

• Celebrate the little wins — a taste, a touch, or even just letting something stay in their mouth for a second longer than yesterday is a BIG WIN in feeding. 

Transitioning from purees to solids isn’t a race. It’s a journey that looks different for every baby. It takes time, patience, and persistence. By supporting your baby’s motor skills, engaging their senses, and allowing plenty of self-led exploration, you’re setting them up for long-term feeding success.

So keep offering, stay patient, and remember: progress over perfection, always. 

If you need support with solids, that's why we are here! Book a free call with one of our solids experts for 1:1 support.