Weaning - 10 month old. Got into a habit of using jars alongside finger food but now baby won’t wean off the jars/pouches and refusing anything I cook. Suggestions what to do?!

[Heb1986]

First time mum to a 10 month old baby. Began weaning at 6 months - did pouches/jars with finger foods and have struggled since to get baby to accept anything I cook him. Feel upset I didn’t just start with my own cooking from the get go but hadn’t anticipated there would be any issue in switching later. He’s always been funny with finger foods and will happily play with it but either won’t put it in his mouth or will put it to his lips and shake his head as if it’s tickly and then throw it on the floor. He’ll occasionally eat it but needless to say loves a puff or melting stick or toast!
He’s also dropped a lot of milk now so don’t want to not give him anything if he refuses it and presume he’s not at the age where I can do that anyway, and wouldn’t want to. Today I tried mixing in my meal with a jar but he spat it out and refused any more dinner. Any suggestions what I can try? And please don’t berate me for using jars/pouches, I already feel really guilty I opted for an initial easy life with weaning.

First, don't beat yourself up for using pouches or jars. I did and both mine are fine.

Second, if he likes the jars and pouches keep it up. No point starting a battle that doesn't need to be fought.

Try working up to family meals. Start with breakfast. Offer weetabix and toast. Mine both loved toast and marmite.

Then try at lunch time to do beans on toast or scrambled egg. Maybe sandwiches or something like that. Food he will likely enjoy and eat.

Keep tea as a jar if that's what baby likes. But eat your tea at the same time as him so he sees what you're eating. Eventually he might want to try some of yours.

Seriously though don't stress yourself about pouches.

My Ds was like this - wanted purees or similar until he was nearly 1, then he started eating proper food when he got to nursery and saw other children eating it. As long as he is getting adequate nutrition from pureed food I wouldnt worry yet.

Thank you both @Twizbe and @Lostthetastefordahlias for taking the time to get back to me. You’ve both given me some reassurance! I have eaten with him occasionally but will definitely prioritise this. Nice to hear I’m not the only one though and your babies now eat normally!