This is advice to help you encourage your baby or child to move from smooth or pureed food to food with lumps.

Why do some children find lumpy food hard to eat?

Your child might find it hard to eat lumpy food because they have trouble with their mouth movements or how things feel in their mouth. It may just be that your child needs a little more time and support. If you think your child has trouble eating or drinking, do not give them food that is unsafe for them to swallow.

If your child has choked or if you are already getting help from the Speech and Language Therapy Eating, drinking and swallowing team, please contact the Children and Young People’s Therapy Service for more advice before using this advice sheet.

What you may see

The baby or child may dislike lumpy food and spit it out or become upset when you offer it. The baby or child can have difficulty swallowing lumpy food and might gag or cough. Some babies or children may become more fussy and only want to eat smooth foods that they prefer.

Strategies and advice

  • Ensure your baby has good head control and, ideally, can sit without support. If your child has special needs and cannot sit independently, use the appropriate seating equipment for safety and comfort.
  • Seat your baby in a supportive chair that keeps their body steady and upright during mealtimes.
  • Introduce new foods when your child is well-rested and you have enough time, rather than when either of you feels tired or rushed.
  • Practise patience and allow your baby time to adjust to new textures and sensations. Every child develops at their own pace.
  • Make mealtimes enjoyable and relaxed. If your baby gags, reassure them calmly. Gagging is a normal reaction when learning to eat lumps. Children usually recover quickly. Encourage them gently to try again.
  • Begin by offering a tiny portion of lumpy or new food at the start of each meal. If your child spits it out, only a small amount is wasted. Gradually increase the quantity as your child becomes more comfortable and hungry.
  • Sweet lumpy foods are often easier to accept at first. If your child dislikes savoury foods, try lumpy puddings or other sweet dishes.
  • If your child prefers lumpy food from jars rather than homemade meals, do not worry. The lumps in jarred foods are usually softer. You can try cooking pasta or vegetables longer to make them softer and more familiar in texture.
  • If your child eats homemade puree, reduce the blending time gradually to make the texture lumpier.
  • Add very small lumps to smooth foods, such as crushed Rice Krispies or couscous. Increase the amount slowly to help your child become used to the new texture.
  • Keep a drink nearby so your child can clear their mouth between bites if needed.
  • Pay attention to your child’s signals. An open mouth means they are ready for another bite. If they turn away or close their mouth, it is time to pause and respect their choice.
  • Remember that progress may be slow. Each child develops at their own speed, and this is perfectly normal.
  • Some children prefer finger foods before they accept pureed foods with lumps. This does not mean they will never eat lumpy food. Offer foods that dissolve easily in the mouth, such as melty puffs, melty sticks, or other melty crisps like Skips or Wotsits. These foods are less likely to cause choking if a small piece breaks off. For more information, refer to the Finger Feeding advice sheet.

If you do not see improvement after three months with this advice, please contact the Children and Young People’s Therapy Service for more help.

Our telephone advice line is available on telephone number 0303 033 3002, Monday (except bank holidays) – Thursday 9am to 12 noon.

 

 

 

Last reviewed October 2025