Can a toothless baby chew solid food?

A toothless baby can't truly "chew" solid pieces since chewing happens through gum and tongue pressure on the roof of mouth, not teeth. But 6-9 month babies without teeth have quite firm gums and can mash soft solid foods (like a steamed carrot stick, avocado slice, banana) between their gums and tongue, then swallow them. The key is the piece must be soft enough to crumble easily between two fingers. Hard foods like raw apple are dangerous and impossible for toothless babies to manage. General rule: if your small finger can easily squash a food against your fingernail, it's safe; if not, your baby isn't ready. Always keep your baby upright during meals and never leave them alone.