Preparing finger foods

[LittleMG]

My 7 (approaching 8) month old likes puree fruit and baby meals. He currently has a breakfast baby food and and dinner -savoury- I want to introduce lumps but he just gags straight away. Doesn’t even really get in his mouth. I’m going to introduce finger foods but I’m unsure of the type and size that’s really safe. I’m super worried about him. What foods are you using and how are you cutting/preparing it? Thanks x

Get the solid starts app (just the free but is fine) I used this loads at first for guidance on how to cut things.

I always found DS could handle actual pieces of food better than lumpy soft meals of that makes sense. Once you see their confidence build, yours does too.

Have fun, I found it so enjoyable to watch DS discover new foods.

Just the free bit is fine that should say

My baby is exactly the same age. Some examples of finger foods he eats: gnocchi, quarter pieces of brown toast with butter/cream cheese/peanut butter, baby bel or other similar size pieces of cheese, raspberries, strawberries (whole), pieces of apple (cut apple into quarters), half a banana (he will pick it up and suck it), orange segments, roasted sliced parsnips and carrots, cucumber slices and pieces of pepper.

Toast fingers, bread sticks, those melt in the mouth baby snacks are good, dry cereal, cooked potato chunks, peas and sweetcorn.

We did 'chip sized' steamed vegetables such as sweet potato, butternut squash, potato, and carrot. I have read that if they hold the food and put it in their mouth they are less likely to gag as they are aware of its solid state whilst lumpy food on a spoon is a surprise.

Is this all ok if they still don’t have teeth?

Yes, all ok without teeth!

As long as your diet is reasonably healthy, he can have whatever you have. Just cut it up on a plate/highchair tray and let him eat alongside you. If he can't eat it he won't, and he'll see that he is eating what you eat and sharing your mealtime.

Keep feeding same amount of milk - food before one is just for fun.

Just wanted to say that my baby was the same at 8 months and I was seeing other babies her age gnawing on chicken legs and eating toast etc. and it made me worried but she just wasn't ready.

At 10-11 months she started tolerating real food much better and is great now.

Whilst it's great to try all the suggestions (if you feel comfortable) I just wanted to pitch in and say don't worry, they'll get there :) xxx

Also agree solid starts app is great for advice on how best to serve each food item safely xx

Thank you so much mums netters such good advice I’m feeling a lot more confident about tomorrow! I’ve downloaded the app and will have an explore round it and see what’s what. All have a great holiday xx

Hi, we started with things like steamed broccoli, slices of avocado and toast at 6 months. General guide is to cook veg soft enough so you can squash it between your thumb and forefinger as that's about the strength if a babies toothless gum.
Now at 8.5 months he has roast carrots, parsnips, pita bread, corn on the cob, kiwi fruit, cheese etc. as his finger foods and he always goes straight to the finger food when I give him his plate.
I've given him strips of meat to chew with increasing success.
I also make baby pancakes and muffins for him when I've got time and stash them in the freezer.
The solid starts website is great to look up any food you want to serve - I find the app can be a bit glitchy sometimes so tend to use the website more.

They can definitely cope without teeth. If you've ever got your finger between those gums when they bite down, you'll know how hard those gums are!