Solid progression at age and stage

Smooth stage (around 6 months)

Puree the meat and veggies until smooth, adding a little breast milk, formula or boiled water. Offer small amounts after breast milk or formula feeds.

a white plate topped with meat skewers and vegetables

Mashed/lumpy stage (around 6½ - 7 months)

Mash the meat and veggies to a soft, lumpy texture so your baby can start exploring new textures. Offer mashed foods after breast milk or formula feeds.

a bowl of food with a spoon in it on a table .

Minced and chopped stage (from 8 months)

Cut food into very small, bite-sized pieces so your baby can explore different tastes and textures. Offer chopped or minced foods before milk.

a yellow plate topped with broccoli , pasta , and meat with a wooden spoon .

Toddler/family foods (around 12 months)

Serve meals just like you would for the rest of the family, chopping larger pieces into toddler-friendly sizes. Encourage them to use a fork and offer solids before milk.

a pink plate topped with pasta , broccoli and meatballs with a spoon .

Finger foods

Offer soft iron-rich finger foods like meat-based fritters from 6½ - 7 months, and options like thin slices of meat or meatballs from 8-9 months. From around 12 months they can chew on cutlets or chops under supervision.