After exploring Step 2 of feeding purees, you can now move on to step 3. This step was probably the hardest for me just because of the fear of choking, but with time I finally got used to the cues and signs. I also took a CPR safety course.
At step 3 I started to introduce chunks in all meals. So everyday I tried a protein veggie and carb. My son loved anything shaped into a ball, so I started to make all his food in a shape of a ball.
Meatballs, Turkey balls, Chicken balls and I also integrated all different types of veggies inside. This worked for a little while and then I started to shape them into patties and till today it is working very well.
So for starters some of the best ways to introduce chunks is to start slowly but if you are 100% confident you can start right away. There are so many guides you can follow on how to cut food the right way so a toddler will not choke. For those of you who are not ready to introduce only chopped up foods you can always keep a puree or two during meals as they start solids. Each child is different and they will go at their own pace so make it fun and not stressful.
Here are some of the stage 3 choices I picked:
- Meatballs cut into small pieces
- Meat patties cut into small pieces
- Shredded meat
- Potatos boiled or very well cooked
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Boiled carrots
- Scrambled eggs
- Omelettes
- Soft cheeses
- Cooked pasta with sauce or just plain butter.
- Small pieces of tofu
- Rice
- Fruits cut into small pieces use online guides to help you see how the best way is to cut up each different fruit.
Even though my toddler likes different kinds of foods and is fairly a good eater, I still give him some foods in purees till today.
