and his/her appetite guide you. Introducing combinations of food Once your baby has accepted and tolerated the different single foods, you can begin to combine foods and increase variety. This is a time when ready-prepared baby foods in packets or jars are really handy. More texture As baby grows, change the texture of foods offered to encourage chewing. Offer a thicker consistency, progressing to soft but more lumpy or mashed foods. At first you may find that your baby "gags". While this can be disconcerting it is a natural reflex that prevents choking. Try not to over-react, or show you are worried, as this will cause baby to be bothered too! And do not worry if baby has no, or few teeth. Babies chew very well with their gums. Finger foods When small lumps can be managed, provide finger foods such as pieces of steamed/baked vegetables, soft fruit, crackers, toast or bread fingers, and pieces of cooked meat or little meatballs or patties. These encourage self-feeding and interest in food. Read more about finger foods here &gt; As baby gets older, progressing with different textures is as important as adding to the food types and flavours. Once your baby can manage soft lumps, and more coarsely minced foods, encourage a variety of textures. Do not keep giving too much pureed, smooth food as this does not encourage chewing. Chewing is important for healthy tooth and jaw development and speech later on. Relax! Remember, babies progress through the stages at their