Quick Answers
At 7 months old, babies still have very few teeth and need soft, bite-sized pieces of food that are easy to pick up and eat. When preparing chicken for a 7 month old baby, it’s best to:
– Remove all bones, fat, skin and cartilage
– Cut the chicken into very small, thin strips or cubes no larger than 1/2 inch
– Steam or boil the chicken until it’s fully cooked and tender
– Avoid any seasonings or salt
– Test the texture by pressing down on it with your finger – it should easily fall apart
Chicken is a great source of protein for babies and offers important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. But since a 7 month old’s digestive system is still immature, it’s key to make the chicken pieces very small and soft enough for them to chew and swallow safely. Supervision is still required at this age.
Why Small Pieces are Important
Cutting chicken into small pieces for a 7 month old is crucial for a few reasons:
Prevents Choking
Babies have very small throats and airways, so large pieces of food can easily become lodged in their throat and cause choking. Chicken that is cut into long strips or large chunks is a major choking hazard. Tiny 1/2 inch or smaller pieces allow babies to safely handle and chew the chicken.
Aids Grip and Bite
At 7 months, babies are still developing their pincer grip (using thumb and forefinger) to pick up food. Small pieces of chicken are much easier for a baby to grasp than large, awkward chunks. Smaller pieces also allow the baby to take an appropriate sized bite that fits safely in their mouth.
Enables Chewing
Since babies have few teeth at this stage, chewing larger pieces of meat is very difficult. Tiny soft pieces give their limited teeth something easy to bite off, chew and swallow.
Prevents Gagging
Larger pieces of meat can trigger a baby’s gag reflex as they try to handle or chew it. Small, soft pieces are less likely to hit the sensitive gag reflex in the back of the mouth.
Cutting the Chicken
When preparing chicken for your 7 month old:
– Start with fully cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can boil, steam or bake them plain.
– Let the chicken cool until it’s safe to handle.
– Using a clean cutting board and sharp knife, cut the chicken into very thin strips no wider than 1/2 inch.
– Holding the knife parallel to the cutting board, slice across the chicken to create long thin strips.
– Then dice the strips crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces.
– The chicken can then be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Texture
The chicken should have a very soft, tender texture that can be easily mashed between your fingers. If any pieces still seem chewy or gummy, consider cooking them a bit longer until fully tenderized. The chicken should shred and fall apart when pressed.
Feeding
When first introducing chicken, only offer a few small pieces at a time. Watch your baby closely while feeding to ensure they are chewing thoroughly and able to swallow safely. Here are some feeding tips:
– Place just 1-2 pieces on your baby’s plate or high chair tray at a time.
– Make sure your baby is sitting upright while eating.
– Encourage self-feeding to help develop hand-eye coordination.
– Offer water frequently to wash food down.
– Never leave baby alone while eating.
– Watch for gagging or choking.
– Go slowly as baby gets used to the texture.
Over several weeks, you can gradually increase the amount of chicken offered as their chewing skills improve. But be sure pieces remain small and tender. Combine chicken with softened vegetables, grains or fruit.
Nutrition
Here are some of the key nutrients found in chicken that support your 7 month old’s growth and development:
Protein
Helps build strong muscles and tissues. Chicken is an excellent first meat protein.
Iron
Supports healthy blood and brain development. Babies have increased iron needs at this age.
Zinc
Boosts immune function and cell growth. Deficiency can impact taste perception.
B Vitamins
Aid energy metabolism and neural development. Important for growth.
Chicken offers a wealth of nutrition in a form that’s easy for babies to digest when cut appropriately. Introduce additional meat proteins like beef, pork and fish gradually after chicken.
Safety Tips
When preparing and feeding chicken to your 7 month old, keep these safety guidelines in mind:
Clean
Wash hands, utensils and surfaces before and after contact with raw chicken to avoid cross contamination.
Cook Thoroughly
Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria. Cut after cooking.
Avoid Choking Hazards
Never give whole pieces or chunks. Remove skin, fat, bones, etc. Cut into tiny bites.
Prevent Spoilage
Refrigerate cooked chicken promptly in airtight containers. Use within 2-3 days.
Introduce Slowly
Give just a few pieces at first to see how baby tolerates new textures and flavors.
Supervise
Stay nearby, maintain eye contact and watch for signs of gagging or choking.
Conclusion
Cutting cooked chicken into 1/2 inch or smaller pieces makes it safe and ideal for babies 7 months and older. Tiny, soft strips allow them to pick up, grasp, chew and swallow the chicken safely. Combined with vegetables and grains, bite-sized chicken gives babies key nutrients for growth and development. Maintaining proper size, texture and safety when preparing chicken helps ensure a smooth introduction of this nutritious food.
| Age | Chicken Texture | Size of Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | Pureed or mashed | N/A |
| 7 months | Very soft, shredded | 1⁄2 inch cubes or smaller |
| 9 months | Tender and moist | 1⁄2 inch cubes |
| 12 months | Soft, chopped | 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch pieces |