How should we choose food and drink textures? Is it okay to step back?

Choose textures according to the child's current chewing and swallowing skills, not age alone. The IDDSI Framework provides standardized levels for food texture and drink thickness. If coughing, choking, oral holding, fatigue, or swallowing whole pieces increases, stop and seek advice; returning temporarily to a previously assessed safe texture can be appropriate. Texture and thickening recommendations should be individualized by a qualified feeding and swallowing team because the safest level differs between children.