13 months - doesn't swallow finger foods

[yehbutnobutyeh]

Hi

My DS is a great eater when it comes to pureed/smooth foods. However finger foods are a mightily different story... He was weaned used purees at 6 mo and we've been introducing finger foods since 8 months. We try lots of different things, baby rice cakes, baby crisps, cheese, soft fruits, soft bread etc... However none of this gets eaten. I really thought we'd cracked it the other day with some cheese crackers as they kept going in but inevitably they get spat out as his mouth is too full or he picks them out with his finger. Even snacks need to be yoghurts etc because that will get swallowed, although it means I will spoon feed again.

I feel a bit frustrated as it makes me feel we are wedded to the high chair and I feel if we could nail a few soft fingers of sandwich we could stay out of the house for longer with a picnic. The HV suggested I do one meal just as finger foods, which I have tried but then he doesn't eat anything

I am all out of ideas. Do you have any tips/hints that I could try?!

Thanks

[CultureSucksDownWords]

I think the HV suggestion is sensible. If he eats less for one meal it isn't the end of the world.

Realistically, if you don't keep giving finger food then he will never learn. It will take a fair while but he needs to learn to do it.

[yehbutnobutyeh]

Thanks Culture - I do need to get myself on a 'how to be patient' course pronto!

[CultureSucksDownWords]

It's difficult isn't it, when you worry about whether they're eating enough. But I think focussing on a longer term goal is helpful, to move the focus off each individual meal. Good luck with it, I'm sure he'll get the hang of it all soon.