Softly cooked pear strips

A strip soft enough to squash, still firm enough to hold without slipping.

If a strip is very slippery, pat it dry rather than leaving skin on for grip.

Cut finger-thick strips, long enough that a bit sticks out of your baby's fist. They must squash easily between your finger and thumb; if a piece still feels firm, cook it longer. Never offer raw, hard pieces. Raw, firm pear is not used, and it is not cut into small round pieces.

Serve as soon as it is made. If you want to keep what is left over, refrigerate it and use it within 2 days. Throw away a half-eaten portion rather than storing or reheating it.

Your baby should be sitting upright and someone should stay with them while they eat. Add no salt, sugar or honey; honey is not given before one year. Babies do not all manage the same texture at the same age — follow your baby's pace rather than pushing. If your baby has an allergy, eczema, or a family history of allergy, talk to your GP or health visitor before introducing new foods.