Purees Are Fine but Beware of Creating a Lazy Eater
Introducing solids is one of the biggest milestones in your baby’s first year and it’s also a fun time for many parents peppered with worries about allergies. With all the advice out there, it can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone has an opinion on “the right way” to start.
Decisions, decisions
Will I have a lazy eater if I only offer purees?
If you’re leaning toward purees, here’s some good news: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with starting this way, as long as you follow a few simple steps to ensure your baby learns to enjoy all types of textures and real foods.
Purees: A Great Starting Point
Purees are smooth, easy to swallow, and perfect for babies just learning how to handle solid foods. They let your little one explore flavors without the struggle of chewing or gagging, which can be reassuring for both baby and parent. Starting with purees can help your baby get used to the idea of eating without pressure, and it can also make mealtime less stressful in the early weeks.
Transitioning Textures is Key
While purees are a fantastic starting point, babies need to experience different textures as they grow. Around 8–9 months, it’s important to start offering mashed or soft finger foods alongside smooth purees. This helps your child develop oral motor skills, learn chewing, and understand that food comes in many shapes and textures, not just smooth blobs which they can swallow.
A simple approach:
Start mixing small pieces of soft-cooked veggies into your purees.
Gradually increase the size and texture of the pieces.
Let your baby see and touch the food in its “real” form. Whole peas, sliced banana, or grated carrot.
Beware the Pouch Trap
Those trendy squeeze pouches are undeniably convenient, but they can create what I call “lazy eaters.” Babies who spend months sucking pureed food from a pouch never get to see, smell, or explore the food itself. When you finally put a piece of kale or carrot on their plate, they may have no idea what it is. Their little brains need the sensory experience of seeing, touching, and tasting real food to develop healthy eating habits.
Instead of relying solely on pouches:
Offer pouches as an occasional supplement, not the main course.
Encourage your baby to eat from a spoon or their own fingers.
Place small pieces of food on their tray so they can explore independently.
Seeing is Believing
One of the best ways to set your child up for success is to let them see, touch and smell the food in its natural form. This not only builds curiosity but also helps them learn what foods look like, how to pick them up, and eventually how to chew them properly. By mixing purees with real textures and gradually offering whole foods, your baby develops a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating.
The Bottom Line
Starting with purees is perfectly fine, so please don’t stress. The key is to:
Gradually increase textures.
Introduce foods in their whole, recognizable form.
Limit reliance on pouches to avoid creating “lazy eaters.”
By following these steps, you can confidently start your baby on purees while still setting them up for a lifetime of curious, adventurous eating.
Struggling with your child’s routine and the introduction of new foods? Connect with me today
