Introducing Finger Foods

HollyB313 · October 2011

My LO is almost 9 months and we really want to introduce finger foods. He started purees at 6 months and is doing well with those and he has a great pincer grasp, but we just aren't sure what or how to introduce it.

We have tried some of the Gerber sweet potato puffs (since he loves sweet potato puree) on a couple of occassions, but he seemed confused by them and once he finally managed to get it to stop sticking to his fingers and get it in his mouth, he just starts choking on it.

Any suggestions on how to get him to understand that whole chewing concept thing and not just try to swallow it or does that just mean he's not ready yet? Also, what was the first non-puree you gave you LO and how did they do with it? Appreciate any advice you can offer!

Kougl Wife to Be! · October 2011

Good Question! Actually my DC gave LO her first finger food (puffs the meltaway kind). She hasnt' mastered getting them by herself to her mouth but she tries. I'm looking forward to the replies on this!

mittensonkittens · October 2011

Just set some Cherrios (or puffs) in front of him every day. Eat some yourself. He'll figure it out.

rmm17 · October 2011

Just keep practicing. A friend's baby actually did much better with soft fruit/veggies than puffs. The puffs made him gag. Maybe try cherrios? Or fruit sprinkled with cheerio dust (makes it easier to pick up)? It took Ace a week or so to really "get" how to pick food up and eat it. Now 80% of his meals are self feeding.

rmm17 · October 2011

Also, what about peas? If you just smoosh the skin a little it may be easy for him to grasp and gum.

SweetGirlC79 · October 2011

My DS seems to have the same issue. He picks it up and tries so hard to put it in hs mouth, but it sticks to his hands and cannot seem to get it in. Every now and then he will get one in, but he will try and then open his hand and see it there and try again and again.