Starting Solids: What to Do When Your Baby Isn’t Chewing Food

Introducing solid foods is a key developmental milestone, but it does not always progress in a straight line. Some babies take longer to develop chewing skills, which can be concerning for parents. Understanding what is normal, how chewing develops and how to support your baby can help you approach this stage with clarity.

Every baby follows their own timeline. Progress depends on factors such as development, feeding history and overall health. It is important to focus on your baby’s individual progress rather than comparing it with others.

Before Chewing Begins: Readiness for Solids

Before expecting your baby to chew, they need to achieve certain foundational skills. These usually develop around six months of age, or later if your baby was born prematurely.

Key readiness signs include:

• Sitting upright with good head and neck control

• Showing interest in food

• Reaching for objects and bringing them to the mouth

• Ability to grasp food in the palm

These skills support safe feeding and prepare your baby for the next stage of oral development.

Understanding the Difference Between Swallowing and Chewing

Swallowing is a complex process that babies are born with, although some may require support if there are early feeding challenges such as difficulty latching, poor feeding coordination or slow weight gain.

Chewing, on the other hand, is a learned skill. It develops gradually through exposure, practice and the right types of food. Without opportunities to practise chewing, babies may struggle to develop the necessary oral strength and coordination.

Early chewing begins with simple up-and-down jaw movements, often referred to as munching. More advanced chewing patterns develop much later, closer to two years of age.

Why Some Babies Struggle with Chewing

One common reason is extended reliance on smooth purées. While purées are useful in the early stages, they require very little chewing and rely more on a sucking motion. If babies are not gradually introduced to varied textures, they may not develop the muscle strength and coordination needed for chewing.

This can lead to challenges such as holding food in the mouth, difficulty managing textures or delayed progression to more complex foods.

How to Support Chewing Development

Introduce Appropriate Textures

To encourage chewing, offer foods that require your baby to use their gums and jaw. Stick or strip-shaped foods are especially useful as they allow babies to hold and explore safely.

Examples include:

• Soft vegetable sticks such as steamed carrot or cucumber

• Mango pit or similar large, safe pieces for gnawing

• Well-cooked strips of meat such as chicken

These foods act as practice tools rather than primary nutrition sources. Always supervise closely to ensure safety.

Use Oral Development Tools

Feeding tools can support chewing patterns and provide sensory input. The Dr. Brown’s Peapod Teether and Training Toothbrush is designed to reach the back gums, helping babies practise vertical chewing movements while also soothing teething discomfort.

Encourage Active Participation

Parental involvement plays an important role. Babies learn by observing and imitating.

• Model chewing during mealtimes

• Offer gentle guidance with food placement

• Use simple verbal cues and encouragement

Creating a calm and supportive mealtime environment helps babies build confidence as they learn.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Chewing development takes time. Early movements are basic, and more coordinated chewing patterns develop gradually over months. Progress may be slow, but consistent exposure to textures and regular practice supports improvement.

It is normal for babies to explore food, make a mess or take time to accept new textures. These are all part of the learning process.

When to Seek Support

If you notice ongoing concerns, it is important to seek guidance. Speak to your paediatrician if your baby:

• Consistently holds food in the mouth without swallowing

• Shows little progress despite regular practice

• Experiences difficulty feeding or loses weight

Feeding challenges often require observation over time, and early support can help address issues effectively.

Conclusion

Chewing is a learned skill that develops with time, practice and the right approach. By introducing appropriate textures, using supportive tools and maintaining patience, you can help your baby build the skills needed for successful feeding.

Each stage of feeding is a process. With consistent exposure and guidance, your baby will gradually develop the ability to manage a variety of foods with confidence.