We were initially drawn to BLW when we began introducing solids to our daughter (~6 months, at the time). While she was immensely interested in food, she wouldn't actually ingest whole/chopped food - this seemed to frustrate her, as she very much wanted to eat.

We started offering a few homemade purees, which she took to, immediately. She's 8.5 months, and still only prefers to suck/lick table food. When I offer thicker/more rustic pureed foods, she'll push the chunks out with her tongue, and shake her head when I attempt to guide them back in with the spoon.

Anything I can do to encourage chewing? Foods that serve as good practice or a happy balance between purees and whole food?

Appreciate it!