BLW - The Squish Test

How to test if the finger food texture is safe for your baby (6-9 months old)

When we started solids with our first daughter, I wanted to start with some finger foods from the beginning. But how should I prepare the food to be sure it is safe for her to eat? The 'squish test' made it easy for me to test if the texture was safe for her. I always tried to see if the food I prepared for her passed the 'squish test.' I ensured I could easily squish the food between my index finger and thumb to squish food between their tongue and the roof of their mouth.

Also, the size and shape of baby-led weaning foods should be about the size of an adult index finger. Babies will hold finger-shaped foods with their whole hand, and there should be enough sticking out for them to bite.

There are some foods - 'unbreakable' foods - you can also offer that is great for your baby to practice chewing and to bring food to their mouth or to suck out the nutritious juice- e.g., mango pits, pineapple cores, raw celery sticks, raw carrots, lamb chops, steak strips,...

It is important to introduce finger foods to your baby by at least 9 months, so finger foods slowly become the central portion of your baby's meals.

If you have more questions about how, what, and when to introduce first foods to your baby, feel free to reach out verena@growingtummies.com.