When can you give them "grown up" food?

[b0nni3]

Hi all,

I was wondering if there is any sort of date when you can just feed your LO straight off your plate (i.e. you don't have to worry too much about salt content or spices or whatever)? My LO is 11 months and he has definitely eaten off our plate (mostly rice, pasta without sauce) but I wonder if he is ready to just have mushed up grown-up food (e.g., roast chicken with all the seasonings, etc) or if I should continue making his food separately.

Bonnie

[~inbalance~]

By 11 months I was certainly giving DS just about everything off our plates, trying to be mindful of salt etc.  Most seasonings are ok I think, but if you remember then you can always cook it first without, then remove a small amount for your LO and then add your seasonings.

He is 13months now and I still have a 'reserve' of stuff I have prepared for him for times when he can't have our stuff, but is pretty much eating everything we eat.

HTH

[b0nni3]

Thanks Martina Rae! Very helpful. Yeah, I'm kind of fed up with the little cups in the freezer and since DS seems to love OUR food anyway, I wondered whether it was ok to give it to him now.  

[~inbalance~]

Use your own judgement of course, if you feel he is ready then he is ready.  There are no hard and fast rules.    I must admit, it is a relief to not have to make so much special food just for DS anymore!

[Texomamama]

I also fed my daughter any and all table food at around 10-11 months old.  I didn't worry about any salt content, spices etc. I assumed if she did not like the taste, texture or seasoning, she wouldn't eat it.  Enjoy watching your little one experiment with new foods, and think of all the time and $$ you can now save on baby food