Safe food sizes and texture by age: 12-18 months

With continued exposure to a variety of foods, a toddler will be developing their tongue and jaw skills which develops their chewing skills. Around 12 months we will see a toddler able to confidently transfer food from the centre of the tongue to both sides of the mouth, and around 15 months a toddler will have a well coordinated diagonal rotary chew. Between 12-18 months they are likely to develop the fine motor skills to bring preloaded spoons and forks to their mouth, but it is normal to continue to provide assistance with cutlery at this age.

Size and texture
With these developments in a toddler’s chewing skills it is safe to follow your child’s lead and offer a variety of sizes, shapes and textures. Offer bite-sized pieces, big pieces, thin slices, grated foods and diced foods. Toddlers will usually spit foods out that they are unable to manage in their mouths.