Is anyone NOT giving finger foods yet...

Ldoo - posted on 03/09/2009

Aren't they?! It's funny. I just mix the chunky stuff (homemade peas and green beans) with stuff she likes.

Shanna - posted on 03/09/2009

Thanks, my daughter gags too when I feed her baby food that's more thick. She's so dramatic lol

Ldoo - posted on 03/09/2009

Start with finger foods that disolve - like puffs or Cheerios. Actually, start with half of one.

I promise the presence of teeth makes no difference. I was scared too, and my baby did just fine, although she was weirded out at first. She does gag when she eats baby food that is too chunky. She acts like I'm poisoning her. :)

And if your baby doesn't like it at first, keep trying. She'll get used to it. Now my baby spazzes out at the mere sight of the Cheerios box. She could eat the whole thing!

Mary - posted on 03/09/2009

My son is 7 months and he doesn't get finger foods yet either...I tried giving him a baby cookie and he bit off a peice and choked on it...it was really scary and now I am very nervous to give him anything that isnt pureed now.  I am pretty sure we are going to wait untill Jayden is 8 months or so to let him try finger foods.

Shanna - posted on 03/08/2009

Thank you!!!!

Maybe I will try the MumMums. I actually have some but I just havent gave them to her yet. She was eating a cookie at my friends house the other day and she choked a bit and I stuck my finger in her mouth right away, I know thats not a good thing to do and if I would have just left her to do it herself - she could. I have my infant/child first aid but it's just a reaction. She gags and kind of chokes with the pureeed meats too - I KNOW she isnt actually choking, I think the textures are just a bit weird for her.

Anyways, thanks again, I'll give the MumMums a try and see how we do!

Bethany - posted on 03/08/2009

Shanna-
I also recommend MumMums as a first "finger" food because they aren't really finger foods at all- she can grab them with her whole fist and just suck on them! I also found that they were a great learning tool for my son. At first he couldn't find the last piece that was stuck in his fist but soon got past that...and now he's a pro with the little tiny freeze dried apples!

Having said that I think that finger foods are in the 8-10 month range so if you "both" need a little more time you shouldn't worry. Plus those gerber puffs and apples say 1 year on the package. As for choking what I've learned with Eric is that he is really good at gagging and coughing- I know that sounds terrible but my point is that he will make lots of scary noises but they actually prevent him from choking. I always make sure that he is sitting down when he eats- I think it's when they are distracted (i.e. playing or moving, etc) that they can choke more easily.

On the upside- watching him eat "real" food is so darn cute! And I find it so exciting every time he learns a new eating skill! I actually cheer when he gets something in his mouth on the first try.

And Christina- of course, wait until you are ready, but don't worry about teeth. Most of the chewing is done on the sides of the mouth with the gums...and some babies don't get teeth for a long time. My niece (June 29) doesn't have any teeth but she does fine with MumMums and animal crackers.

Here's a link about finger foods:
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/introdu...

Best wishes to both of you- you have exciting days ahead and I promise you will love them! :~D

Christie - posted on 03/08/2009

I don't give my son finger foods either.......and when my daughter was a baby she didn't start finger foods until she was a closer to a year old.

Christina - posted on 03/08/2009

Mycah's been on solid food since 3 months but doesn't get finger foods.  His teeth haven't broke through and I just don't feel comfortable becayse of choking.  He can pick things up well with the pincher grasp and put thinks in his mouth.  I figure once a tooth or two actually breaks through it will be much better.  Right now he just eats his hands, or shall I say entire fist!

Alycia - posted on 03/08/2009

Hey Shanna! Well my son doesn't really eat finger foods...I puree his meals (I cook them for him) of chicken and squash and potatoes or whatever. I think he could be ready if I cooked them and he ate them himself with his fingers but I feel like it's me who isn't ready mroe than him...he can only practice by me giving him lots of opportunities. He does however eat Baby Mum Mums I like them because they dissolve easily so he most likely won't choke and I give him water to make it easier too. Mum Mums are essentially the only "finger" foods he eats...otherwise I puree it. I am starting to try those Nuby nets, you put the food inside the net so they won't choke on it..it helps with fine motor skills!



That's my advice...hope it helped! It takes practice and us letting go a bit so they can try new things and learn on their own. Just keep giving her the chance to figure it out and eventually she will!