Is it concerning if my toddler only eats mashed food?

It is common for toddlers to have a sensitive gag reflex, and many children prefer mashed textures well into their second year. Chewing is a learned skill that isn't strictly tied to tooth count, and gagging is a normal part of the process of learning to handle different textures. Continue offering finger foods to help them practice, but if your child is consistently vomiting rather than just gagging, consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying oral-motor issues.