It think if you feel concerned about introducing finger foods a paediatric first aid course can be very helpful so you have some information and guidance on what to do if LO chokes. Many people respond the wrong way, trying to poke food out of the mouth or hitting LO on the back whilst they are in the upright position, both of which can cause the choke to be worse.
It can be nerve racking but I felt much more prepared after the first aid course and i only managed to sit a couple of hours of it.
My bigger fear was always the small bite sized pieces rather than the big wedges or fingers of food. The little pieces are so much harder to manipulate in the hand and mouth where as LO can get a better grip on a large piece and keep hold of it whilst they gum at it. If you think in terms of non-food items it's the small toys/buttons/beads that are more of a choke hazard for babies rather than the big toys.
It's advised that finger foods are started in a timely manner (I'd start right away) as it has great benefit for various developments including fine motor and language, hand eye co-ordination etc and introduces LO to the 'real' textures of food and the regular family meals which is supposed to reduce difficulties later on.
There are lots of ideas on the recipe board:
Finger Foods (6 months+)In terms of a very hungry baby, it could be that introducing more protein would satisfy him, maybe eggs fritata or omelet, mine liked pancakes and little bean burgers/fritters/falafel. or it could be that he feels more satisfied with self feeding although not necessarily eat more. Don't forget you don't want the milk intake to drop yet.
I did make batches of mini foods for DS to have ready for snacks and meals out and about but I also gave him the same as I was eating. I didn't use salt, sugar or honey in my cooking, reduced spices, no stock cubes (salt) etc but other than that it was 'normal' family food. Other changes I made were things like cooking spiralli pasta rather than penne as the twists are easier to grip, chopping stew veg into big chunks instead of small diced pieces so he had something big to get hold of.
Posted with haribo - thanks for paying it forward