Expert answer: The BabyCenter Editorial Team

It depends on your baby's age. Some babies take a while to get used to the texture of solid foods, and up until age 1, that's normal, says pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, editor of The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones.

But if your child still rejects lumpy or textured solid foods at 1 year old or isn't feeding him- or herself with finger foods by 12 to 15 months, you should check in with your doctor, Altmann says. This may indicate that your child has a developmental problem, like a sensory processing disorder, that can be improved with occupational therapy.

Keep in mind that it is normal for babies to balk the first time – or the first many times – they experience food other than breast milk, formula, or liquidy purees. That's why it's important to keep offering different foods to babies who are developmentally ready – especially healthy ones like vegetables.

"If your child doesn't like it, introduce it another dozen times," says Altmann. "It may take that long."

For a first finger food, Altmann recommends puffed rice cereal that melts easily in your baby's mouth. Or steam your baby's favorite vegetable until it's extremely soft and cut it into small pieces.

Textures take getting used to, just like tastes. "Kids often don't like the texture of avocado but are won over by the taste," Altmann says.

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