Tips for getting nine month old to feed himself

[snm88]

My nine month old absolutely LOVES his food, he gobbles down three healthy portions a day. I've not done lots of BLW just because it scared me shitless, but have done the occasional thing. He will eat some penne pasta pieces and a few bites of banana pancakes. But that's it, really! Any other finger foods have been a no-go. Just tried to give him some cheese on toast and he absolutely refuses to even try it. Was very patient, and we sat at the table for about 30 minutes, but not even one bite went in. Any tips to help me transition him to finger foods and start wanting to feed himself?

eat with him - he will learn watching you

I do, and I really exaggerate putting the food in my mouth + chewing + swallowing.

It might be a bit early but Ellyn Satter's Division of Responsibility re Feeding & Eating is the best advice I ever had re feeding kids - changed our lives though I didn't dicover it until my DC were a bit older:

https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-feed/

https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-feed/division-of-responsibility/

https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/feeding-growth-weight/trust-your-child/

Mine wouldn’t feed himself at this age - he’s two now and he still likes me to help with his dinner 😂 just keep going with offering and they do get there - he’s a lot happier self feeding now he can usually cutlery, but around 14months he got better at eating toast/ sandwiches/ finger food!

Ask him to feed you a bit first and make a big deal about how yummy it is.
Clapping and"yay"ing always worked with my lil dude he loved praise and fun.

I used to sit mine in the high chair, with us, at the table and put food on their tray. It’s normal behaviour for babies to pick things up and put whatever it is, into their mouths. I just let them get on with it.

Trying to get your baby to eat cheese on toast for 30:minutes is bonkers.

Just give him what you're eating and get on with eating your own food. They learn by watching, not being pressured. Same for walking, talking. Just involve them in your life and let them learn in their own time.
I haven't taught my kids to eat, I just gave them food and we ate dinner. They are 4 and 1 and eat whatever, youngest is still mastering the fork but we just give him a fork and leave him to it.

Can you start by giving him some finger foods alongside what you’re already feeding him?

It doesn’t have to be the full meal.

I used to strap them into their high chair then plonk a few bit onto the tray whilst I sorted out everything else.

Solid Starts is good for showing how foods should be cut according to his age and and this guide from the Caroline Walker Trust has some good suggestions on finger foods to try.

If you’re nervous about him trying finger foods, have you done a Paediatric First Aid Course? If you haven’t, you might want to watch this video from St John’s Ambulance

There is a difference though between choking and gagging and choking is rare although babies can also choke on purees and bottles.

How have you moth hot on today @snm88?

Sorry for the indecipherable post. I meant how have you got on today @snm88?