The transition from strained foods to lumpy foods should be gradual. This is important not only for better food acceptance but also for safety considerations.
First, try thickening the strained or pureed foods you’re already giving your child. As your child handles and enjoys the thickened foods, try adding small, slightly noticeable lumps. For example, you might start out by adding some rice cereal to pureed fruit to thicken it. Next, add a small amount of soft, mashed banana. Or your could try adding fork-mashed vegetable to a pureed meat.
Gradually increase the size of the lumps while decreasing the amount of pureed food. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s feeding skills, check with your feeding specialist before altering food textures.
Foods That Can Be Made as Lumpy as You Want
The following foods will work well when your child is ready for lumps. The amount of mashing or blending you do will depend on the needs of your child and can be modified as the child’s skill level changes.
If you want to change the texture of these foods by adding liquids, try breast milk, formula, fruit juice, and water. For creamier meals, try adding sour cream, mayonnaise, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, and whipping cream. To thicken foods, add dry rice cereal, tapioca, instant mashed potatoes, instant baby foods, or THICK-IT®*.
Some good, adaptable lumpy foods include:
- puffed rice (can be added to a pureed fruit or vegetable). It adds a soft lump that easily dissolves.
- cottage cheese
- stew
- tuna casserole
- spaghetti
- turkey with rice and vegetables
- macaroni and cheese
- veal with mixed vegetables
- oatmeal with mashed fruit
- beef with egg noodles and tomato
- refried beans and rice
- lamb and vegetables and rice
- lasagna
- fish with baked potato
- ham and vegetables
- chicken with rice
* THICK-IT® is available through Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc., 11457 Olde Cabin Road, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63141 Milani Foods, 2525 Armitage Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160, (800) 333-0003
The information on this web site is provided for entertainment purposes only; it is a general reference for healthcare consumers and providers; it is not a prescription for any individual person. It is important that you consult your child’s qualified healthcare provider before implementing any of the research discussed on this web site.
Disclaimer: This is based solely on our experience and should not be treated as medical advice. You should always consult your doctor(s) with any medical or health concerns before starting any new diet, products or supplements.
