This article offers general information and does not replace advice from someone who knows your medical history. If you are pregnant, take regular medicine or live with a long-term condition, speak to your GP, nurse, pharmacist or a registered dietitian before making a major change to the way you eat.
Texture ladder - don't stay on purée too long
Move gradually from smooth food towards mashed, lumpy and soft finger foods as your baby develops. Soft roast vegetables, mashed lentils, minced meat in sauce and strips of omelette all give the mouth useful practice.
Pouches can be convenient while travelling, but sucking directly from them does not provide the same experience of seeing, touching and chewing food. If your baby repeatedly coughs, vomits or becomes unusually tired with textured food, ask your GP or health visitor for advice.
Mash with fork, not processor, for lumps.
Soft roast veg fingers - squash, courgette, pepper.
Minced beef in low-salt tomato sauce.
Building towards three meals
Begin with a loose routine that follows your baby's appetite. One or two small meals can gradually build towards three meals a day from around seven to nine months, while breast milk or first infant formula remains important.
Try to include an iron-rich food regularly, offer water from an open or free-flow cup with meals, and let your baby join the family table when practical. Teething can temporarily reduce interest in solids, so keep offering without pressure.
Build the meal routine gradually rather than aiming for a fixed number immediately.
Offer water from an open or free-flow cup with solid food.
Follow current NHS vitamin advice, including the exception for babies drinking 500 ml or more of formula each day.
Heading toward 9-12 months
By around nine months, many babies are moving towards three small meals and managing a wider range of soft finger foods. Progress varies, so follow your baby's skills rather than racing a timetable.
The next-stage guide covers family meals and snack structure. Meal Pilot's family filters can help you find dinners that are easy to serve in softer or deconstructed portions.
Safe weaning - choking shapes refresher.
9-12 months - family meals.
Kids overlapping meals - when siblings share bases.