6 month old weaning

[Kayleigh1992]

I’ve been to asda today to get some food to start weaning with finger foods with my little one they do foods that are from 7 months I.e porridge and some finger food snack is this just a guideline or should I wait until 7 months

I’d start now but if the packs say from 7 months, I’d put them in the cupboard for a bit. There are lots of things you can give until then. Brocolli is brilliant as it has its own handle

As well as fruit and veg, try things like cheese on toast cut into soldiers, pasta, omelette cut into strips, strips of chicken, cubes of cheese. There lots of things that you can put on toast, mashed avocado, sardines, smooth nut butter and lots of sandwiches too.

Cream cheese on Scottish oatcakes is a good one too. Basically anything can be a finger food, you don’t need to buy special stuff. Just cut grapes and cherry tomatoes in quarters and sausages lengthways to cut down the risk of choking.

If you are wanting to give cereal, these porridge fingers are easy to make and Cheerios make a good finger food when she’s a bit older and got her pincher grip

Things can get messy though so you might need to buy a couple of long sleeved bibs and put a cheap shower curtain on the floor. One of DDs first means was Spag Bol which she ate a bit of but lots went in her hair and on her face

Oh and take lots of photos

The packs say from 7 months as they're based on traditional weaning, as the very smooth purees say from 4 mo.

The crispy things etc melt in the mouth so are good for trying to get the coordination to get them to the mouth etc

Hi.

I’ve started to wean my little girl but she won’t swallow! We’ve started with baby rice and banana but she just gags when it’s in her mouth rather than swallow it. I don’t know what to do.

@AliClifford that can be perfectly normal, how old is she?

Traditionally the seven months label would be for 'stage 2' of weaning, the traditional 'stage 1' being 4+ months, so there will be a bit more texture than the likes of the purée/baby rice.

She’s 6 months. Just not sure whether to carry on or not.

It's normal at six months, it's a lot for her to get used to, she's only known milk so far and has to work out how to move solid food from the front to the back of her mouth and swallow. Her gag reflex is strong and effective.

There's a saying "food before one is just for fun" so maybe give it a break of a few days and come back, expect her to only take a couple of spoonfuls initially. Offer things like well steamed, cooled broccoli florets and carrot batons too that she can play with (and throw on the floor!)

It is an anxious time but taking it easy and keeping it fun will help. There's no pressure on either of you. Good luck!