Not every food is straight forward when it comes to being safe for baby led weaning. That's where the smash test comes in! Use this simple smash test to determine whether a food is a safe texture for baby.
This post has been written and medically reviewed by Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).
One of the biggest questions parents have when it comes to baby led weaning is whether foods are safe for babies to self feed or not. The fear of choking is very real concern, but it is also easy to mitigate with a few easy rules. One of the biggest rules is making sure all foods are an appropriate texture for baby's age and abilities. While many foods are clear cut (yogurt, or mashed potatoes, for example), some are not. One simple tool I use to determine whether or not a food is a safe texture for baby led weaning is the smash test, which mimics baby's gums when eating a food. Let's dive into how to use it!
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How Do I Know If a Food Is Safe for Baby Led Weaning?
There are two main components when it comes to determining if a food is appropriate for baby led weaning: shape and texture. Nutritional factors like added salt, sugar and honey also come into play, but as far as your little one's ability to safely eat the food, we mainly focus on appropriate shape for grasping (and reducing choking risk) and a soft, gummable texture. I go into all the details of shape and texture on other posts that you can read more in depth:
If a food is shaped in a way that reduces choking risk and is easy for baby to grab - think the shape of 1-2 adult fingers - and also a soft texture that baby can easily gum, then it is likely a safe food for baby led weaning. Many foods are always soft (such as ripe bananas, oatmeal, or cooked sweet potatoes. But some foods are not as straight forward. For example some fruits, like peaches or pears are very soft when perfectly ripe or slightly over-ripe, but can be too firm when any less ripe. Steamed or roasted vegetables may not be soft enough until they are cooked very well. That's where having a 'rule of thumb' or test can come in handy when determining if a food is a safe texture for your little one.
What is the Smash Test?
The smash test is a simple test you can do with any food to determine if it's a safe texture before you serve it to baby. Your fingers mimic baby's gums on the food, so you can assume that if your fingers can mash the food easily, then baby's gums can too.
How To Use the Smash Test for Baby Led Weaning
Use your index finger and thumb to press on the food. If the food smashes easily between your fingers, then it is a soft enough texture for your little one.
Other Considerations When Determining Safety
Make sure that the food is also appropriately shaped for baby to be able to grasp and to reduce choking risk. You also want to make sure to avoid all foods that are choking hazards, such as hard, round, and/or slippery foods such as whole grapes, nuts and dried fruit. Finally, it's best to avoid added sugars, too much salt (a little bit is fine), and honey before baby is 12 months old. I also prefer to stay away from processed foods in general for babies under 2 years of age.
Also remember to closely supervise any time your little one is eating!
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